
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 ›
- Lindsay Peoples Wagner Named 'Teen Vogue' Editor-In-Chief ›
- Lindsay Peoples Wagner (@lpeopleswagner) • Instagram photos ... ›
- 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.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Swipe Right For Sisterhood: Reginae Carter Talks Teaming Up With BLK To Make Friendships Front & Center
You know the vibes: dating apps aren’t just for finding romance anymore—at least not for Gen Z! As young people continue to redefine connection, BLK, the leading dating app for Black singles, is shaking things up with the launch of Social Mode. The new feature allows users to toggle between dating and platonic connections. Yep, you read that right—friendship is now just as easy to find as love.
To kick off this game-changing launch, BLK teamed up with TV personality and socialite Reginae Carter for the ultimate Girls’ Night In, proving that sisterhood is just as important as romance. The exclusive event was a celebration of the new feature and the power of Black women coming together to uplift one another.
“Your circle is everything,” Reginae shares with a smile, and she’s not wrong. She’s all about creating spaces where we can come together, let our hair down, and vibe with like-minded women. “We deserve spaces to meet, uplift, and vibe with each other. BLK is making that happen,” she adds.
A New Era for Friendships—Social Mode Is Here!
Gen Z is all about building meaningful connections, whether it’s with a date or a new brunch buddy. That’s why Social Mode is such a big deal. Research shows that 65% of Gen Z values friendships just as much as romantic relationships. With BLK’s new feature, users can easily toggle between “Dating” and “Social,” opening up a world of platonic connections—no swiping right required.
Bahja Rodriguez, Reginae Carter, Breaunna Womack, Lourdes Rodriguez and Zonnique Pullins attend OMG Girlz "Make A Scene" Single Release & Video Viewing Party at Trap City Cafe on March 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia
Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage
Reginae Carter Hosts the Ultimate Girls’ Night In—Powered by BLK Social Mode
What better way to show Social Mode in action than with an exclusive Girls’ Night In, hosted by Reginae? The event brought together top influencers, tastemakers, and press for a night of luxury, self-care, and real talk about love, sex, and relationships. From tarot readings to perfume-making and signature cocktails, the evening embodied the “soft life” vibe that many Black women are embracing in 2025—peaceful, intentional, and full of joy.
Guests mingled, laughed, and bonded over the importance of finding a tribe that supports you. It wasn’t just about fun (although there was plenty of that!)—it was about creating a circle of inspiring, strong women. “We need to stick together. We need to be each other’s village,” Reginae says, emphasizing the power of community over competition.
Sisterhood: The Real MVP
For Reginae, it’s all about friendship—and not just the surface-level kind. “We need friends who keep it real with us. The ones who can tell us when we’re right, when we’re wrong, and when we need to calm down,” she says. As someone who navigates the spotlight, she’s got the best of both worlds: friends who understand the grind and those who can give her an honest, grounded perspective.
Her advice for building strong, intentional friendships? “Be confident in yourself and know your worth,” she explains. “Also, hurt people hurt people, so make sure you’re coming from a good place when you’re building relationships. It’s not always about being nice—sometimes it’s about being real.”
Reginae couldn’t have summed it up better: “When you have the right circle, the right tribe, everything just feels easier. And that’s exactly what BLK is giving us—space to connect, laugh, and grow with each other.”
To learn more about BLK’s Social Mode, download or update the BLK app in the App Store or Google Play Store today. Who knows? You might just find your new bestie or your next brunch crew.
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Feature image by Prince Williams/WireImage