The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Meghan Markle: Why is there a mirror on British Vogue cover of inspirational women?
September issue cover features 15 women in addition to a blank, reflective space
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.On Sunday 28 July, British Vogue released the cover for its September issue, guest edited by the Duchess of Sussex.
The cover features 15 women described by the publication as being "brilliant female changemakers", including New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, boxer Ramla Ali, diversity advocate Sinéad Burke among others.
The "Forces for Change" cover also features a blank 16th space at the centre, which has been designed to have a reflective surface.
The reason for the silver mirrored spot is to make magazine readers feel included among the roster of inspirational women.
"The duchess believes British Vogue's readers are part of this movement too – as a result the 16th spot on the magazine's cover is a mirror to include the reader and encourage them to use their own platforms to effect change," a statement released by the fashion publication outlines.
Several Twitter users praised the idea of including the mirror on the British Vogue cover.
"Duchess Meghan has chosen wonderful women. And the idea of the mirror is sensational, it's perfect," one person tweeted.
"She is impressive and in addition she thought of us by adding a mirror. Fantastic idea," another wrote.
The British Vogue cover draws parallels with Time's 2017 "Person of the Year" cover, when an anonymous arm was visible on the cover alongside five "silence breakers".
The aim of the arm, the publication stated, was to represent those who have experienced sexual harassment and assault who have not been able to come forward and reveal their identities.
The duchess worked with Enninful for seven months while guest editing the publication's highly-anticipated September issue.
The British Vogue editor-in-chief explained that he and Meghan discussed whether or not she would appear on the cover of the magazine.
However, the duchess decided against it, concluding that it would be a "boastful" thing to do.
“She wanted, instead, to focus on the women she admires,” Enninful added.
Several of the stars featured on the "Forces for Change" cover reacted on social media to be chosen by the duchess.
"I am completely overwhelmed and overjoyed to share this cover. Being on the cover of Vogue magazine has been a dream of mine since I was a child," Orange Is The New Black star Laverne Cox wrote on Instagram.
Actor and I Weigh movement founder Jameela Jamil tweeted that she is "awe/star struck" to be included on the cover of the magazine with a "bunch of absolute game changers".
The full feature in the September issue of British Vogue will be available on newsstands and via digital download on Friday 2 August.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments