Alexandra Shulman Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue Country: Great Britain

1. Alexandra Shulman: From Journalist to Influential Fashion Editor
2. Early Life and Education
3. Journalism Career
4. Revamping Vogue
5. Personal Life and Interests

Alexandra Shulman: From Journalist to Influential Fashion Editor

Alexandra Shulman, the editor-in-chief of British Vogue and one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry, was born in London. She comes from a family with a background in the arts, as her father was a theater critic named Milton Shulman, and her mother was a writer named Drusilla Beyfus.

Early Life and Education

Shulman completed her education at St. Paul's Girls' School and Sussex University. Afterward, she pursued a career in journalism, which eventually led her to the world of fashion.

Journalism Career

In 1982, Shulman joined the editorial team of Tatler magazine. She also wrote for publications such as the Sunday Telegraph, Vogue, and GQ. Her talent and dedication earned her the position of editor-in-chief at GQ in 1990. Just two years later, she was appointed as the editor-in-chief of British Vogue.

Revamping Vogue

Shulman brought a fresh perspective to Vogue, a magazine that was then associated with classic fashion. Under her leadership, the magazine's circulation increased to 200,000. However, the early '90s also saw criticism directed at Vogue for featuring images of excessively thin models, which contributed to a rise in teenage anorexia. Shulman, though she denied any intent to promote unhealthy body image, acknowledged the issue in 2005, expressing a desire for models to be more representative of the average woman's body.

Personal Life and Interests

Shulman has been open about her own experiences with body image, having struggled with excess weight during her childhood. Despite criticism from her parents, she felt comfortable in her own body. She is a devoted single mother to her son Sam, born in 1995, following her divorce from writer Paul Spike.

Outside of her professional life, Shulman enjoys music, playing the guitar, and indulging in fiction. Among her favorite authors are Rosamond Lehmann and Henning Mankell. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the fashion industry, being awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2004 and being named "Editor of the Year" by the British Society of Editors on multiple occasions. Additionally, Shulman serves as a trustee of the National Portrait Gallery in London.