Waitrose cashier becomes Vogue cover star
British Vogue is to honouring key workers who have been working tirelessly during lockdown by featuring three on its July front cover.
Included is 21-year old Anisa Omar who works as a supermarket assistant at Waitrose’s store in London’s King’s Cross.
Normally serving customers on the checkouts or replenishing shelves, Omar was snapped in her uniform during a regular shift.
The two other key workers featured on the three different versions of the cover include London Overground train driver Narguis Horsford and midwife Rachel Millar, who will each take a turn on the front and inside the gatefold of the other copies.
The photographs were taken by renowned fashion photographer Jamie Hawkesworth, who has previously shot models such as Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid. He spent two weeks photographing frontline workers for the historic edition, which includes portraits of NHS staff, delivery drivers, teachers and MPs across 20 pages.
The decision to use non-celebrities for the cover was taken by Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful who said: “This moment in history has seen society shift its attention on to some of the people who are not usually afforded the spotlight. I am proud that British Vogue’s July issue is able to provide a special moment of thanks to the NHS and everyone on the frontline saving lives every day. Our trio of cover stars represent the millions of people in the UK who, at the height of the pandemic, in the face of dangers large and small, put on their uniforms and work clothes and went to help people.”
Omar described the whole experience as “crazy”. She added: “Being on the cover of Vogue is not something I ever imagined I would do, but I feel so lucky to be a part of this experience. I live in a house of key workers – both my brother and sister work in different Waitrose branches so we will be excited to see the magazine on sale in our shops when we arrive at work!”
The full feature can be read in the July issue of British Vogue which is available via digital download and on newsstands from 5 June.
