From Assistant To Teen Vogue's New EIC, Lindsay Peoples Wagner Is #BlackGirlMagic Goals
What is #BlackGirlMagic exactly? Well, you just might find Lindsay Peoples Wagner's photo next to the definition. The world wide web describes Black Girl Magic as a concept and movement popularized by CaShawn Thompson in 2013. It was designed to "celebrate the beauty, power and resilience of Black women", as described by Julee Wilson from the Huffington Post – essentially it is all about congratulating Black women on their accomplishments.
So, of course, when I heard that Lindsay Peoples Wagner, former Fashion Market Editor at The Cut, was named the new Editor-In-Chief at Teen Vogue, I just had to learn more about this young mogul. In many realms, she is known for using her voice to change the beauty and fashion world. From her countless interviews on the truth of being Black and working in fashion to her keeping it more than 100 when calling out photographers and platforms for making thin white women the nucleus of street style, Lindsay simply says what we are all thinking but can't always find the words to say.
When we asked her what it means to be a Black woman navigating through a predominantly white space, she countered confidently, "For me, I think it means just being my unapologetic self."
In this exclusive interview with xoNecole, Lindsay talks about her goals as EIC at Teen Vogue, what self-care looks like for her, and how she has consistently created space for her redefined lens of beauty and fashion.
xoNecole: You started in the fashion closet of Teen Vogue years ago. Did you ever in a million years think you would be the Editor-In-Chief of a giant glossy brand like Teen Vogue?
Lindsay Peoples Wagner: No, honestly I never thought it would happen but I'm so grateful that I am! I am really passionate about what I do, and I'm looking forward to using this platform to further conversations on inclusivity, diversity, and the future of fashion.
What are three things you believe are a part of the recipe for success?
Hard work, decisiveness, and a hunger for excellence in anything you do.
Fashion icon Anna Wintour said you are a gifted talent who can equally inspire and challenge audiences. How did this make you feel?
I felt incredibly honored, and just eager to do the work.
What does self-care look like for Lindsay?
On the weekends, I'm usually very quiet on social media because I just need to not be scrolling so much. I like go to museums, read the paper, draw out random ideas, and catch up with my family back home in Wisconsin.
You are widely known for creating space in relation to fashion and beauty but you aren't afraid to take it on through the lens of culture, race, and politics. How did you come to be interested in these large topics?
I was always interested in fashion and beauty, but I think as a Black woman it just took time for me to really develop the lens in which I talk about those things. I've had a lot of conversations with mentors over the past couple years about who I want to be when I 'grow up', and I realized there were bits and pieces of a lot of different people and career paths that I wanted to mold into one, even if it didn't exist already.
What are some of your goals in your new role as EIC?
Teen Vogue has really built up a space in the community to talk about relevant issues in politics and culture, so I'm excited to continue to do that and just elevate the content even higher.
There's a new narrative that "Fashion is changing," do you believe this? Please explain.
I think it's possible for any industry to change--as long as those who have a seat at the table are using it to push the culture forward.
Can you share some challenges you have faced on your journey? What got you through those moments?
It's no secret that a lot of people in creative industries come from privileged backgrounds--whether it be economic or just having connections to get a job, it really does change the trajectory of your career. Fashion doesn't have a timeline--it's not like going to medical school and being broke for a while but once you leave and start working, you start making a lot of money, so it doesn't matter that you've accumulated a lot of student loan and credit card debt. So while I was working at Teen Vogue as an assistant, I also changed mannequins at DKNY after work, and I worked the brunch shift on the weekends at a Jewish restaurant to make ends meet. And even after that job, I always had multiple freelance jobs on the side, which was incredibly challenging to juggle but it was worth it.
"It's possible for any industry to change--as long as those who have a seat at the table are using it to push the culture forward."
What advice would you give to young women vying for a seat at the table or looking to land a similar position?
Stay true to who you are and push yourself to do the work. A lot of people have great ideas, but few put in the time and effort to make them come to life.
Keep up with Lindsay by giving her a follow on Instagram.
I don't know about you but I can't wait to see how this gem continues to change the world. With her responsibilities of overseeing content in forms of video, digital, social plus events including the Teen Vogue Summit, we are in for something spectacular.
Especially the 2018 Teen Vogue Summit, which took place in Los Angeles on November 30 and December 1. The new Teen Vogue EIC will be there leading several sessions. The lineup included heavyweights like Serena Williams, Cara Delevingne, Storm Reid, Eva Longoria, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Terry Crews, Kiersey Clemons, Arlan Hamilton, Noor Tagouri, among others.
Lindsay Peoples Wagner, thank you for your light. We are all rooting for you.
Featured image by lev radin / Shutterstock.com
- Lindsay Peoples Wagner - Editor In Chief - Teen Vogue | LinkedIn ›
- Teen Vogue Names New Top Editor From The Cut – WWD ›
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- Teen Vogue – Condé Nast ›
- Lindsay Peoples Wagner Is the Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue ›
- Lindsay Peoples Wagner Named Editor-in-Chief of 'Teen Vogue ... ›
- Lindsay Peoples Wagner Named EIC, 'Teen Vogue' 10/11/2018 ›
- Lindsay Peoples Wagner Named New Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue ›
- Teen Vogue's New Editor Is Lindsay Peoples Wagner of the Cut ... ›
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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We all love that Beyoncé's recent foray into country music has turned the world's attention back to the impact of Black legends and icons who were foremothers of the genre. All of the buzz around the superstar's take on country music (along with the fab TikToks of Black women getting their country glam on to prep for a possible country music tour), brings to the forefront stories of the amazing impact of women like Sister Rosetta Thorpe, Elizabeth Cotton, and Linda Martell. These women laid the groundwork for folk, country, and rock music way before any of us reached our mother's wombs.
I've loved country music since childhood and would rock, sway, and sing along to songs by The Neville Brothers, Patsy Cline, and Elvis. (Yep, I loved me some Elvis, honey. It was an admiration I inherited from my mom.). Back in the day, my friends and I would all enjoy the country music songs played at a popular hangout spot, the local skating rink. The DJ would go from 69 Boys, Brandy, and Usher to Billy Ray Cyrus ("Achy Breaky Heart), Dolly Parton ("9-to-5" and "I Will Always Love You,") and Shania Twain ("Man! I Feel Like A Woman.") Country music has always been part of my life's soundtrack.
Since it's Women's History Month, what a perfect time to highlight some of the other Black women who have been standing it the gap for years, doing this country music thing, and doing it well. Here are a few to add to your playlists this month and beyond.
The Boykin Sisters AKA The BoykinZ
Sisters Nylan, Nytere, Anale, and Alona took the country music world by storm on TikTok, drawing more than 480,000 followers and 10 million likes for their soulful country music swag. They've performed with Shania Twain on the Country Music Awards, appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and have recorded with legendary country music producer Nathan Chapman. Each brings their own unique flavor to the group, from style to music abilities.
Rissi Palmer
She released her self-titled debut album with hit singles, “Country Girl,” “Hold On To Me,” and “No Air,” and has since performed at The White House, New York's Lincoln Center, and the Grand Ole Opry. She’s also shared stages with country and pop music heavy-hitters including The Eagles, Charley Crockett, and Taylor Swift. Taking things to the advocacy level, she launched her own radio show Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer on Apple Music Country and created the Color Me Country Artist Grant Fund to support newbie country artists of color to reach their entertainment industry dreams.
C Brandon / Contributor/Getty Images
Yola
A U.K.-bred country music artist, this singer and actress was nominated for multiple Grammys for her 2019 debut album, Walk Through Fire, including Best Americana Album. Her 2021 album, Stand For Myself, mixes country and soul with intriguing and relatable visuals. She also magnificently starred as Rosetta Thorpe in the 2023 Elvis biopic, a film whose soundtrack was an American Music Award winner.
Mickey Guyton
A modern-day pioneer in her own right, Mickey Guyton was the first Black woman to be nominated in the Best Country Solo Performance category at the Grammy Awards in 2021, and, that same year, she became the first Black woman to co-host the Academy of Country Music Awards. Her song, “Black Like Me,” released in the wake of the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Matter movement, added more to her legacy of being a leader and advocate in country music.
Brittney Spencer
This newbie artist in the game has given us strong previews of her talent, releasing two EPs and receiving Country Music Awards and Country Music Television award nominations. Elektra signed her to a deal in 2022, and this year, she released her debut album, My Stupid Life, which has been described by one Rolling Stone reviewer as “one of the most convincing country statements in a while.”
Reyna Roberts
The self-proclaimed "Princess of Outlaw Country," is serving soul, sass, and style with her music, with a debut album titled, Bad Girl Bible, Volume 1, sparking intrigue and fan support. Her more than 300,000 followers on IG rally behind her, as she campaigns for big-ticket performances that we are sure, will be in her future.
Chapel Heart
Sisters Danica and Devynn Hart have joined musical forces with cousin Trea Swindle as a country music trio, and found early viral success performing on “America’s Got Talent.” In 2021 the group was inducted into Country Music Television’s “Next Women of Country,” and they’ve been honored as “International Group of the Year” as well as “International Song of the Year” for the single “You Can Have Him Jolene” in Scotland. They have been nominated for several British CMAs including “Group of the Year” and “Album of the Year” for their second album release The Girls Are Back In Town.
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Featured image by Emma McIntyre / Staff/Getty Images