Ed's story is absolutely fascinating! I really loved reading about his childhood in Ghana, and although it seemed somewhat scary, it was also so normal for him. Their move to the Thatcher-era London is eye-opening, because while you know it must be so different, you don't realise how different our Western world is until you read a first-hand account.

It was interesting to read of how Black people perceived White people depending on where they had emigrated from and whether they/their families had been subject to slavery. It was even more interesting to read of how poorly Black people were and still are treated in Britain. For me, I have never understood why people from different cultures can't be treated as equals. Growing up in a multicultural city, it was normal for me to know people from different parts of the world. I didn't look down on them, but instead, looked to them as people of fascination because they were so much "cooler" then me with their different traditions.

I don't understand how fashion can tell a story and while the world of creating magazines fascinates me, I will never understand fashion, I am just not that kind of girl.

A fascinating read - truly inspiring. Enninful's story is engagingly told and riveting from start to finish. I would definitely recommend this book and it would make a wonderful Christmas gift.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Beautifully written, I could not put it down. Edward Enninful has a way of grasping your attention, be it with his articles in Vouge or this autobiography. He takes us through his life, as a child maneuvering his way through London and as an adult, pioneering in fashion. Even if you're not a huge fan of fashion, the book still covers several topics and reads into racism and the ongoing struggles of people if colour in that world and opens an eye to the amazing work Edward has put in to represent black talent and work in the industry.
Can't praise this book enough!!

Fashioning a positive direction in an industry needing to change

I like clothes, but have not had any high regard for the fashion industry, which has a history of exploiting ill paid workers in far off lands turning out goods for the developed world at a dizzying rate to be worn once or twice till the next must have look, adding hugely to waste and carbon footprint.

Indeed, the industry has seemed, to my jaundiced eye to be symptomatic of the wastefulness of built in obsolence capitalism. Plus the various stories of the exploitation of models, and the creation of body dysmorphia in women who are a different shape, size and ethnicity to the tall pale gazelles usually seen on catwalks

I read an interview with Enninful, and what he was saying, and the way he was saying it sounded interesting.

And this book was, hugely. Here is, as he points out, an unlikely person to be Editor in Chief of British Vogue. A black man, in a magazine which for years seemed geared (sorry) to a kind of superficial excess for the wealthy to aspire to more wealth, and not have much to do with the lives of most people.

Edward Enninful is yes, absolutely passionate about fashion, its energy and creativity, but absolutely aware that fashion too has a role to play in shaping the world to be a better place.

I really had not considered how fashion could be positively revolutionary before. In his time as editor, he has championed diversity and inclusivity in every way. This is an absorbing – and at times distressing read,

I think anyone with a more inside knowledge of the fashion world is likely to really love this – the only reason I have 4, rather than 5 starred, is because some of the more historical details of revered stylists, photographers, make-up artists etc meant little to me, and my attention drifted a bit. It was the more personal story of a life, a vision and a desire to use a passion and skill to create positive change which absorbed me.

The inspiring story of how a boy from Ghana become he first Black editor-in-chief of British Vogue, a great achievement and a relavant role in a complex world like the fashion world.
It's interesting and inspirational.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

As an occasional reader of glossy fashion magazines I was intrigued to read this memoir and discover more about Edward Enninful and his journey to Vogue. It's an easy read throughout and parts of it held my attention really well, particularly his early years and experiences. I found the anecdotes about celebrity friends to be the least interesting facet of the book and at times they detracted from the insights into his career.

A Visible Man was a stunning autobiography that I found addictive and moving to read. Written in an easily accessible and clear way, it was quite literally like hearing Enninful read his own story aloud, his distinctive way of writing pouring from the page. It was a huge journey to follow and, as someone interested in the fashion element of his life, reading about his journey was perhaps even more intriguing. The interweaving of childhood into teen years, coupling family life, work and the resulting trauma was explored in such a raw and open way that you couldn't help being moved by his story. I think the style and layout of the book was particularly interesting because of the use of photos; to see Enninful in the moments he refers to during the narrative was particularly grounding - especially to see him working as a teen and to see just how young he looked. I love to have the visual elements to tie everything together and felt it was the perfect chapter break to couple everything together. Fabulously enjoyable, easy to read and a moving story - highly recommend!

A very interesting insight on the fashion industry from Edward Enninful’s point of view.

Honestly I’d never heard of Edward and I’m not a huge fashionista but I found this book fascinating.

A Visible Man is Edward's story of how he went from a young boy in Ghana to being the youngest fashion editor of a London magazine at just 18 years old, and his journey to making his mark in the fashion industry, forging well-needed diverse changes within the fashion world, and onto becoming the first Black editor-in-chief of British Vogue. And what a remarkable journey it was. I loved every page of this book.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no large gaps between words some text written has been typed in red and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book therefore a star is lost for this.

Insightful and powerful….. A Visible Man is the story of a husband, son, brother, friend - and icon. Taking us from the neon thrills of Soho clubs to nights spent on friends' sofas, this is the story of Edward's phenomenal grit and determination: of failures, loss, coming out, joy, hedonism, fame, love, heartbreak, sacrifice, ill health and era-defining achievements. It's the story of one man's revolutionary mission to change how we see the world, showing how unwavering passion and perseverance can allow anyone to make their mark - just like he did.
Definitely recommend!

A fascinating insight into the world of fashion, something I know very little about. I can't say the world appeals to me, but this was also a story about one man's overcoming of many obstacles in order to not only achieve so much himself, but to help those who are under-represented. He is obviously very talented, a good writer and very modest with it. Very glad I requested this book.

I was sent a copy of A Visible Man by Edward Enninful to read and review by NetGalley. I really enjoyed this memoir. It was so interesting reading about what goes into the production of fashion magazines and the fashion world in general. I also liked the fact that we got some insight into the models themselves. There is a lot of inspiration in the book and it is really refreshing to see the changes that the author has made within the world of fashion, and beyond, making the world more inclusive for anyone that is marked as ‘different’. The only thing that frustrated me slightly was the fact that there were so few photographs, as there was only one image at the beginning of a chapter – that is until I came to read the credits where there were many more images listed. I realized then that my advance copy on my kindle did not have the complete set. I will have to go in search of a physical copy to satisfy my need! One thing I did do after finishing this book was to go out and buy a copy of British Vogue – I’m looking forward to devouring it, especially as it happens to be an issue dedicated to our Queen!

One of the best books I’ve read this year. I didn’t actually know of Edward Enninful, but after reading his story I am blown away by his journey and his impact on global fashion. I loved recognising famous names and finally getting a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes in photoshoots and runways. The photos in each chapter also gave a great insight into his life, and I also loved learning about his family and heritage. What an outstanding book!

If you are looking for a gossip fuelled name dropping fashion memoir then this may dissapoint, however if you are looking for an honest, open story of a life fuelled by fashion, where the celebrities mentioned are true friends then A Visible Man is the perfect read.

I was aware of Edward Enninful, but not aware of all he has done and is doing to make the fashion industry more inclusive.

An eye opening story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read A Visible Man

Edward Enninful’s memoir not only tells you about his road to becoming the editor in chief of British Vogue, but it sets out his perspective on fashion and the world. It’s thought provoking and interesting - and there’s no where near as much about the actual fashion and clothes as you might go in expecting!

What a life Edward Enninful has lived ! This superb book documents his amazing journey , the good ,the bad and the downright shocking. The book feels as though you are sitting having coffee with him and listening to his story and not at all stuffy like many other biographies. He gives a whistle stop journey through historical events with people of historical importance without being boastful. I really enjoyed this.

This was an incredible inspiring read. Couldn't put it down. Absolutely buying this for my shelf! Enninful's work has inspired me for years and made me *feel*. Everyone needs to read this!

Here, for the first time, he shares the inspiring story of his journey, beginning in a childhood bedroom in Ghana overlooking firing squads, to arriving in 1990s London as an asylum seeker, to today setting the cultural agenda as the first Black editor-in-chief of British Vogue. His covers have changed our understanding of beauty and desirability. Featuring exclusively African models, first responders, global activists and the oldest cover star at age 85, they have also broken sales records.

This is the story of how he did it.

A Visible Man is the story of a husband, son, brother, friend - and icon. Taking us from the neon thrills of Soho clubs to nights spent on friends' sofas, this is the story of Edward's phenomenal grit and determination: through fame and failures, joy and loss, ill health and addiction, heartbreak and coming out. It's the story of one man's revolutionary mission to change how we see the world, showing how unwavering passion and perseverance can allow anyone to make their mark.

Not an easy read but a wonderful, raw and gritty read

A book everyone should read!

Really enjoyed this, Edward writes in a style that is so easy to read and his tale of growing up in Ghana to becoming the first black editor in chief of British Vogue is inspiring. His tale is one of how if you work hard enough you can get to where you want to be no matter what boundaries life throws at you. I'd never heard of him before reading this book but the way he has helped shaped the fashion industry for minorities is so inspirational. I read this book in a matter of days, definitley a page turner.

I like Enninful’s matter of factness, when exploring his (incredibly packed) life - he doesn’t agonise over the harder moments, nor does he brag about the incredible strides his career took at such a young age. Enninful also explores race within the industry throughout the book surprisingly well, it doesn’t feel heavy or shoe-horned in.

Granted his writing style isn’t groundbreaking - there are a few parts where he is so abrupt that his writing doesn’t flow as well as I would like it to. However, his storytelling feels very honest.

This is an incredibly interesting and engaging read. Enninful is clearly incredibly talented and knowledgeable, and he’s worked (and partied) with a lot of equally interesting people, but the book never feels gossipy. A Visible Man somehow achieves the familiarity, enjoyment and ease of rereading a beloved book.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for an ARC of the book.