Vogue College of Fashion had the honour of having Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content for British Vogue, and Adam Baidawi, Deputy Global Editorial Director for GQ & Head of Editorial Content for British GQ as the prestigious Keynote Speakers on 8th October 2024 which was a dream start to set the tone for the new academic year. Angelrin Shin reports…
Welcoming our new students to the Vogue College of Fashion, Chioma and Adam lifted the lid on their journey and experiences in the fashion industry and the challenges they faced to achieve their current success.
Chioma Nnadi on creating a safe space for creativity to thrive
One thing that stood out the most about Chioma Nnadi was her idea of being a leader in the industry. Not everyone is born with confidence, and Chioma was one of those people. When having to present ideas to her editor, she explained she was so anxious that she experienced a panic attack due to feeling overwhelmed about how her idea would be perceived.
Which is why she wants to create a safe space for her team. She aims to create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their ideas, confident that is no such thing as a bad idea. Chioma also added how she has given them the opportunity to present their ideas privately if they don’t feel comfortable enough to present it in a room full of people, because everyone deserves to be heard. Truly an inspiration.
“I think everybody should be able to contribute.”
Continuing on the role of leadership, Chioma mentioned that herself and Adam are part of a new wave of editors that is different than what has come before due to how much the industry has changed. When quizzed further by Adam on the topic, Chioma reflected on her own role as an Editor, “Thinking about your leadership style is not something I ever did intentionally. I think for me, it’s about being collaborative. Making sure people feel seen. I was so self-conscious about having a bad idea and that idea being shut down, so I go out of my way to make sure there is an environment where people can share. I think everybody should be able to contribute.”
Adam Baidawi on doing your homework when applying for roles
Adam Baidawi gave great advice on ways to achieve success in the industry. Like Chioma, Adam’s journey to his current success wasn’t straightforward. What helped him achieve success was obsessively knowing who was on the title’s Masthead and researching the position he wanted. For example, if someone is interested in joining the GQ Editorial team, just knowing about the person responsible for the editorial will not suffice. You should always dig deeper. Be curious. Learn about the type of work they create, who does that person work with, the history of GQ, and more. He also mentioned that to grow, especially in this industry, you must try to always get out of your comfort zone.
The Student Point of View
Students also had the opportunity to quiz Adam and Chioma during their talk, with one student asking about whether Chioma feels there is a responsibility or pressure as the first woman of colour to be the Editor of British Vogue, to which she replied about what an “honour and a privilege” it is and to not take it for granted, also noting the importance for young girls of colour to have women who they can identify with to look up to.
The talk with Chioma Nnadi and Adam Baidawi left a lasting impact for everyone present. Not only were they able to share inspiring stories about their achievements but they gave realistic advice on how to achieve success in the industry. Some key attributes, Chioma notes for those wanting to work for brands such as Vogue being to be curious, have an obsessive desire to learn about your chosen topic of fashion, and to have a strong point of view and opinions.
Words by Angelrin Shin, MA Fashion Communication Student
Images by James Mason Photography
