Edward Enninful’s EE72 and Why Print Is Far From Dead

Edward Enninful’s latest print venture, EE72, arrives at a pivotal moment for magazines and publishing. As conversations around the future of print continue, Enninful’s move signals a clear belief that print is not fading, but evolving into something more intentional, collectible and culturally driven.

At just 18 years old, Edward Enninful began a journey that would see him become the youngest fashion director in the industry. From spending two decades as Fashion Director of i-D magazine, to six years working within the world of Vogue, and now launching his own print venture, EE72, Enninful has made an extraordinary impact on the print landscape.

Born in Ghana, Enninful moved to the UK as a teenager with his family and, just three years later, was scouted as a model on the London Underground. A true case of being in the right place at the right time, combined with immense dedication and talent, this moment marked the beginning of a career that would span decades and reshape fashion media.

Enninful’s early relationship with fashion was shaped at home. His mother, a seamstress from Ghana, ran a busy atelier where he spent much of his childhood watching her create vibrant African dresses. This exposure to craftsmanship, colour and culture played a defining role in his creative development and continues to inform his inclusive vision of beauty and diversity within the fashion industry.

Having spent his entire career immersed in print, this latest step feels less like a departure and more like a continuation of his vision. The launch of EE72 represents the start of a new era of creativity and cultural storytelling for Enninful, who has long been regarded as one of fashion’s true visionaries.

EE72 reflects the values that have defined his career and continue to inspire his global team. Blending fashion, culture, art and ideas, the publication positions itself as a cultural community for open minds. Radical thinkers, emerging talents and underrepresented voices sit alongside icons and established visionaries, creating a space that feels both inclusive and influential.

Speaking on The Graham Norton Show, alongside Emma Thompson, Rowan Atkinson and Timothée Chalamet, Enninful shared the philosophy behind the magazine, describing it as “friendly, readable and relatable to the audience.”

In an interview with The Guardian, he further reinforced his belief in the power of print, stating: “While people say print is dead, I believe the opposite. Print has become more powerful than ever and an art form that must be preserved.”

As a long-standing advocate for print and the creative possibilities it offers, Enninful’s career alone serves as evidence that print is far from obsolete. A career spanning more than 50 years within the industry stands as compelling proof that print continues to thrive.

Enninful worked closely alongside Anna Wintour for six years before moving on to this new venture. Wintour herself stepped down the following year after 37 years as Editor-in-Chief. The transition from Anna Wintour to Chloé Malle has brought notable changes to Vogue, including plans to produce fewer but higher-quality, collectible print issues, a move that has sparked discussion across the industry.

This shift at Vogue echoes a belief held by us at Unique Magazines for some time. The future of publishing lies in magazines produced less frequently, with greater care, higher production values and a more premium cover price. As print increasingly becomes a luxury rather than a necessity, this evolution feels inevitable.

As print continues to change, figures like Edward Enninful launching new publications, alongside established titles reducing frequency, only reinforce one thing. Print is not a dying medium. It is evolving into something more intentional, more valued and arguably more necessary in an increasingly digital world.

EE72 is available to purchase now through our online store at uniquemagazines.co.uk.