Suzy Menkes OBE Honoured at Parliament for a Lifetime Shaping Global Fashion Journalism

Few journalists can claim to have witnessed the evolution of modern fashion quite as closely as Suzy Menkes OBE.

On Tuesday 2 June 2026, inside the House of Commons, the Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports presented Menkes with the Medal of Honour for Lifetime Achievement in Fashion Journalism and Cultural Leadership, recognising a career that has influenced generations of designers, editors, journalists, and fashion professionals around the world.

For more than five decades, Menkes has remained one of the most respected and independent voices in international fashion journalism. From her years at the International Herald Tribune to her role as Editor of Vogue International, her reporting has helped shape global conversations surrounding fashion, luxury, craftsmanship, creativity, and culture.

Now 82 years old and still actively working, Menkes addressed the Assembly with the same intelligence, humility, and passion that have defined her career.

Reflecting on her early years in journalism, she spoke about entering a profession where very few women occupied positions of influence and authority. She recalled the challenges of building a career within a highly competitive industry while remaining committed to honest reporting and editorial integrity.

Her remarks resonated deeply with the audience.

At a time when media continues to evolve at extraordinary speed, Menkes remains a powerful example of professionalism, resilience, and intellectual independence.

Her recognition at Parliament celebrated not only a remarkable career, but also the lasting impact journalism can have on culture itself.

As guests rose to applaud, it was clear they were honouring far more than a fashion journalist.

They were honouring one of the great chroniclers of modern fashion history.