Book IWD Speaker: Alexandra Shulman
The Longest Serving Editor in the History of British Vogue - Editor-in-Chief
Alexandra Shulman is one of the most influential figures in British fashion and media. A journalist by training, she joined Tatler in 1982 and quickly established herself within fashion journalism. Her early career included roles at The Sunday Telegraph, Vogue and the British edition of GQ, experiences that shaped a sharp editorial eye and a clear, confident voice.
Her defining chapter came at British Vogue, where she served as Editor in Chief for 25 years, the longest tenure in the magazine’s history. During her leadership, she presided over a circulation increase to 200,000 and guided the title through significant cultural and commercial change. Shulman balanced creativity with rigour, championing British talent while maintaining Vogue’s global authority. Twice named Editors’ Editor of the Year by the British Society of Magazine Editors, she earned rare peer recognition for both her editorial judgement and leadership.
Beyond magazines, Alexandra is a respected columnist for The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail, known for thoughtful commentary on style, culture and working life. Her memoir, Clothes… And Other Things That Matter, offers a candid account of ambition, resilience and identity within a demanding industry. Her wider cultural contribution includes roles as Vice President of The London Library and Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery. Her impact has been formally recognised with an OBE for Services to the Magazine Industry and a CBE for Services to Fashion Journalism. She has also been named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the UK by Woman’s Hour.
Alexandra Shulman is hired as a speaker for International Women’s Day because she brings lived experience of leadership, longevity and influence in a high-pressure, public-facing role. She speaks with honesty about power, confidence and change, offering audiences practical insight and inspiration grounded in a remarkable career.
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