Today marks the kick off of New York Fashion Week. And while all the peacocks and swans flock to the runways, one fashion editor in particular drawing the most attention this season is Elaine Welteroth, the recently installed editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, whose bold editorial vision has annointed her one of the most exciting voices in media today.
After getting a historic start as Teen Vogue’s first black beauty editor, Welteroth became the second black woman to be named editor-in-chief at a Conde Nast publication. At 29, Welteroth is also the youngest editor-in-chief in the media company’s 107 year history.
Under Welteroth’s leadership, Teen Vogue has garnered a reputation for not just its fashion and beauty coverage, but also its groundbreaking foray into social and political issues. It’s not uncommon to find features about gender identity and police brutality alongside pieces about eyeliner and acne treatments.
Welteroth sees her role at Teen Vogue as a chance to help guide modern young women through the minefield of modern adolescence.
“I think you’ve got to be able to relate to what teens are going through,” she told Racked. “I joke that I’ve always had this sort of insatiable ‘big sis’ complex—which is odd given that I am the baby of the family with no sisters! It’s the reason I have such a powerful desire to connect with girls and encourage them. So, it’s a natural fit for me to have a job that’s like the editorial version of an older sister to a million girls.”
