Faces of members of the Australian fashion industry still capable of looking surprised will remain unmoved at the announcement of celebrity stylist Christine Centenera as the new editor-in-chief of Vogue Australia.
“It has been the worst kept secret in the fashion industry,” says outgoing editor-in-chief Edwina McCann, who will continue as the magazine’s editorial director and publisher.
New Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Christine Centenera, left, and partner Joel Edgerton pose for photographers upon arrival for the screening of the film Thirteen Lives’in London, Monday, July 18, 2022. Credit:AP
For months Centenera’s imminent appointment has been an open secret, casually referred to by advertisers and former staff members at industry events, awaiting McCann’s confirmation.
“I am excited by this decision,” McCann says. “Vogue ’s success is driven by its visual communication and how it defines the now. Christine is an extraordinary image maker and incredibly influential for her generation and beyond. The way she communicates Vogue Australia’s unique viewpoint will be noticed.”
Along with crafting Vogue covers, Centenera is a skilled multitasker, having juggled duties as the magazine’s fashion director, freelance styling work with controversial rapper and designer Ye (Kanye West), campaigns for luxury label Louis Vuitton and designing her label Wardrobe NYC.
While editing the Australian edition of the magazine, published by News Corp Australia, Centenera will continue working in the US and London.
“I love being in close proximity to the extraordinary photographers, and people that we work with on the pages – anywhere in the world,” Centenera said in a statement. “Wherever I go, people love Australia and I’m proud to be an Australian abroad.”
Christine Centenera (right) and Kim Kardashian at the launch of Wardrobe NYC’s collection in Los Angeles, June 2019. NGV gallery director Tony Elwood with former Vogue editor-in-chief Edwina McCann.
Raised in Adelaide, Centenera rose to prominence as fashion director at Harper’s Bazaar Australia, gaining attention for directional editorial work and her restrained personal style. In 2011, she was hired by McCann as Vogue Australia’s fashion director, leading to memorable covers with supermodel Gigi Hadid, Kardashian and Cate Blanchett.
Centenera’s relationship with Australian actor Joel Edgerton, with whom she has twins, further enmeshed her in the world of celebrity.
McCann says Centenera’s promotion has been greeted warmly by advertisers, internal staff and the local design community.
“I think it’s super exciting that someone of her calibre and international reputation is leading Vogue,” says Aje co-founder Adrian Norris.
Centenera’s experience has largely been confined to the visual realm, which failed to deter McCann, who was eventually guided by the success of former stylists Anna Wintour, US Vogue editor-in-chief, and Edward Enninful, British Vogue editor-in-chief.
“They both come from incredibly strong styling backgrounds,” McCann says. “I don’t think it’s a disadvantage. With executive editor Jess Montague, I think we have the right combination there.”
Post COVID-19 lockdown developments have removed any concerns relating to Centenera’s international commitments.
“We all now know that it’s possible to produce a magazine remotely,” McCann says. “It’s not uncommon for me to attend a shoot and meet the talent via FaceTime.”
During her time as editor-in-chief of Vogue, replacing author Kirstie Clements, McCann has championed the importance of women in STEM through Vogue Codes events, worked with the NGV on their annual summer gala and revived Miss Vogue on the magazine’s website.
“There have been creative highs like working with Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin on the Elvis issue and flying to Copenhagen to photograph HRH Princess Mary of Denmark. What I’m proudest of is that Vogue can now communicate to its audience through the magazine or TikTok without snobbery. That has changed in 10 years.”
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