Written for Fashion & Beauty Monitor
Born to two Ghanaian immigrants, Danielle Kwateng is a journalist, editor, entrepreneur, and cultural critic. After earning her degree in print journalism and fashion merchandising from Howard University, Danielle attended Columbia University's coveted Publishing Course. There, she refined her skills as a reporter and learned the art of authentic, authoritative storytelling. In the following years, she worked at Glamour, Essence, and finally as Senior Editor of VICE. Danielle was recently appointed Executive Editor of Teen Vogue in the US.
Her daily roles and responsibilities include managing covers, representing the brand in public, overseeing section editors and reviewing budgets and site analytics to ensure growth.
We caught up with Dani to discuss catering to the youth market, plans for her editorship and grabbing a bite in New York City…
How does your new role differ from your position as Culture & Entertainment Director?
In my new role, I'll be managing all sections of Teen Vogue: Entertainment, Politics, Fashion/Beauty, and Identity. I'm excited because I'll now be working more closely with our amazing editors to conceptualize story ideas, packages, and events to support the brand.
What are your plans for the magazine under your executive editorship?
I think Condé Nast as a whole is looking toward the future of media, which is to be more inclusive of global perspectives while also centering the audience we serve — in our case, Gen Z. So I'm excited about more global news coverage and also treating our social channels as dynamic extensions of the brand.
What does success look like to you?
In its rawest form success looks like walking in your purpose. Doing what you're supposed to be doing and finding joy in that work.
What are some of your favorite cheap eats in NYC?
I'm a HUGE foodie. So my faves aren't expensive, but they aren't ‘cheap’. With that said: burgers from Blue Collar in Williamsburg, Tacombi tacos, Pilar Cuban Eatery empanadas, and all the sides at Cafe Rue Dix.
Which fashion brands are impressing you right now?
Hanifa, MAXHOSA Africa, Free the Youth, Andrea Iyamah, Brandon Blackwood, and Ahluwalia.
What kinds of pitches are you looking for from PRs?
I'm interested in pitches from brands about dynamic ways to partner with us for events and editorial projects.
What did you learn from your time with VICE?
I learned the importance of intentional language. Having a conscious and sense of care when writing/reporting about people is key to authentic storytelling.
If you could give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Travel more and worry less.
What causes are you most passionate about?
I'm concerned about a plethora of things, but the most pressing right now is environmental racism and how it shows up in policy, waste management, and consumer offerings.
Tell us about your digital concept shop, The Volta.
The Volta was born out of an abundant need to highlight Black and brown designers. I hope to make it a brick-and-mortar in the future.
What is the key to a fruitful career in journalism?
The key to a fruitful journalism career is taking time away from writing/reporting to live a little and explore what other interests one may have.
Who would be your dream cover star?
DREAMers. The DREAM Act turns 20 this year and I love the idea of exploring the importance of immigrants to America's cultural identity.
Do you think there’s still a place for print media in a digital world?
I do. I think for digital brands like Teen Vogue, print can be used for special, commemorative issues that are keepsakes.
How important is social media to a magazine aimed at the youth market?
Each and every social media platform has a personality of its own. Keeping this in mind, I think it's important to make social media platforms their own content creation spaces to feel organic to visitors — and the brand overall.
What issues do you think matter to young people today?
So many things! Gun control, defunding the police, global warming, education, immigration, medical equality. Young people are plugged in and activated. They will change the world for the better, by force.
What song was on repeat for you in 2020?
"Lockdown" by Anderson .Paak and "Jaguar" by Victoria Monet.
Where in the world would you most like to visit if you could?
A million places, I can't say just one. But in the immediacy: Cuba, Haiti, and Morocco.
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