Max Mara’s Creative Director, Ian Griffiths, and Vogue’s former British Editor-in-Chief, Edward Enninful, have recently been awarded Honorary Doctorates from the prestigious Royal College of Art (RCA). Alongside four other individuals, their exceptional accomplishments in the fashion industry have been acknowledged and celebrated.
Ian Griffiths has been the driving force behind Max Mara for an impressive 35 years. Throughout his tenure, he has remained committed to creating “real clothes for real women,” a philosophy coined by the brand’s founder, Achille Maramotti. Griffiths is renowned for his impeccable sense of sophistication and extensive understanding of fashion history and codes, as acknowledged by Fashionnetwork’s Editor-in-Chief, Godfrey Deeney. He will be presented with his honorary doctorate on September 19th, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the fashion world.
Edward Enninful made history as the first black editor to lead Vogue. Taking on the prestigious role in 2017 and later becoming the European Editorial Director of Vogue in December 2020, Enninful has consistently pushed boundaries in the industry. However, it was recently announced that he would step down from these positions to embark on a new “global advisory role,” granting him the freedom to pursue broader creative endeavors. On September 14th, Enninful was awarded his honorary doctorate by RCA Chancellor Sir Jony Ive in a ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall in London’s Southbank.
Expressing his gratitude, Enninful emphasized the privilege of being a part of the education system and the solid foundation it provides for individuals. He also expressed his admiration for the talented individuals who have emerged from the doors of the RCA. Being welcomed into the esteemed history of the RCA is a moment of great significance and honor for Enninful.
These honorary doctorates from the Royal College of Art serve as a testament to the exceptional contributions of both Ian Griffiths and Edward Enninful to the fashion industry. Their boundless creativity, impeccable expertise, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark. This recognition is a fitting tribute to their extraordinary careers.
