Former British Vogue boss excoriates new wave of image–obsessed editors after successor's major shake-up

'It has been interesting and educative to see over the years which of the more dilettante or famous contributors really put some effort into their contributions and which liked the idea of an association to the magazine without the tedious business of actually doing any work'

Alexandra Shulman left British Vogue in June (Getty Images)

The former editor of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, has criticised a new of editors who forego the “minutiae” of editorial work in favour of rubbing elbows with celebrities.

Her comments come after a major shake-up at the magazine instigated by her successor Edward Enninful, who replaced her when she stepped down as editor in June.

Mr Enninful, the first black male British Vogue editor, is known for having a close circle of celebrity friends, including Naomi Campbell, Rihanna and Jourdan Dunn.

Ms Shulman does not name Mr Enninful in her column for Business of Fashion, but hits out at “new editors” who think the “main part of their job is being photographed in a series of designer clothes with a roster of famous friends”.

“Every great editor I know spends a great deal of their time on the minutiae of their baby’s existence: checking that even the smallest picture helps tell the story, working on cover lines, encouraging contributors who will ally themselves exclusively to their brand,” she wrote.

Naomi Campbell poses with Enninful after he received his OBE at Buckingham Palace last year (Getty)

The former editor-in-chief also questioned the work ethic of newly-appointed high-profile contributing editors.

Naomi Campbell was recently appointed as a contributing editor by new editor-in-chief Mr Enninful.

“It has been interesting and educative to see over the years which of the more dilettante or famous contributors really put some effort into their contributions and which liked the idea of an association to the magazine without the tedious business of actually doing any work,” Ms Shulman said.

Earlier this year, Ms Campbell criticised the lack of diversity at British Vogue under Ms Shulman, posting a photo to Instagram which showed no black editorial staff members.

Ms Shulman, the longest-serving editor of the magazine, resigned in June after 25 years at the publication’s helm.