Celebrate Teen Vogue’s 20th Anniversary with Versha Sharma and Elaine Welteroth

teen fashion Summit 2023 is in full swing and this year is very special. the publication is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and what better way to honor it than a trip down memory lane? Today, current Editor-in-Chief Versha Sharma sat down with former Editor-in-Chief Elaine Welteroth to talk about everything. teen fashion over the years.

In 2016, Welteroth became the youngest person to direct teen fashionand took a leading role in promoting youth participation in political and social issues. Now, teen fashion is headed by Sharma, South Asia’s first editor-in-chief. the dynamic duo discussed navigating the changing media landscape since 2016, especially as women of color.

Welteroth spoke about studying social media to guide his leadership and decision to venture into politics, wellness and more. She said she had thought the political scene during her time as editor-in-chief was the worst time she was navigating the brand’s direction at the time, but she noted that the current climate has been just as difficult.

Sharma shared that their approach to creating editorial content in this time is based on readers and the issues they themselves have been struggling with. He also spoke of his efforts to further diversify magazine covers, raise awareness of social issues, and highlight intersectionality, as exemplified by one of Sharma’s first acts as editor-in-chief. In conversation with Welteroth, Sharma reflected on making a statement at the 2021 Met Gala with a tote bag that read: “Protect Roe.” Sharma said: “Fashion is political. Art is political.”

the editors also discussed the topic of the day: “dream your future.” They talked about the importance of dreaming big, imposter syndrome, and ultimately, being “that girl.” Welteroth revealed that she felt she had “big shoes to fill” after Eva Chen as beauty director and felt the need to assimilate it, but over time she naturally fell into her roles in teen fashion. Sharma mentioned that she remembered seeing Welteroth as editor-in-chief, but never thought that she would one day take on the same role. Welteroth then encouraged the audience to journal, find a mantra, and focus on finding a purpose instead of a title.

This was just one of many. exciting panels in teen fashion Summit 2023 and, fortunately, there is much more. If you can’t attend in person, don’t worry because we’ll help you. Can live broadcast the event and keep refreshing adolescentvogue.com for more live updates.