Anna Wintour steps aside as Vogue editor-in-chief after decades of defining fashion culture
When Anna Wintour presented her initial edition of American Vogue at the end of 1988, the reaction from the magazine’s printer was surprising: “Was there an error?” The cover, showcasing model Michaela Bercu in a Christian Lacroix couture jacket combined with denim jeans, was a departure from the meticulously styled, formal portraits that had characterized the magazine for many years. The photograph was relaxed, taken outside, and embodied a spontaneous spirit that would represent a fresh era for Vogue.
The occurrence established the groundwork for Wintour’s perspective, which would transform more than just the magazine, altering the entire fashion realm. She infused the publication with a touch of realism and approachability, moving away from its former roots in sheer luxury. By opting to showcase a model clad in denim, even though it happened by chance due to a wardrobe error, initiated a societal transformation. It indicated that fashion could be worn in everyday life, not solely during fashion shows.
Upon making a name for herself at British Vogue, Wintour was hired to revitalize the American edition, and over the span of 37 years, she effectively fulfilled that mission. Under her leadership, the publication navigated adeptly through the supermodel era, the rise of grunge, the dominance of celebrity culture, and the move towards emphasizing online narratives. In this time, Wintour repeatedly showcased an insightful grasp of fashion’s wider cultural influence, and its ability to affect more than merely clothing.
This week, Wintour revealed she would be resigning from her position as editor-in-chief of Vogue, concluding one of the most impactful editorial careers in the history of fashion. Although she will remain as chief content officer at Condé Nast—a role she has occupied since 2020—her exit from the magazine’s editorial leadership marks the end of a notable era.
Wintour’s legacy at Vogue extends far beyond magazine pages. She redefined what belonged on a fashion cover, notably introducing celebrity faces to a space previously reserved for models. Within her first year, she placed Madonna on the cover—an unconventional move that sparked a new era of fashion-meets-pop-culture synergy. It was the beginning of a transformation that would eventually see reality stars, politicians, and cultural figures appear on the magazine’s covers.
During her tenure at Vogue, Wintour consistently tuned into public interests, aligning the magazine’s tone with larger changes in media and consumer habits. Her editorial choices frequently impacted the real world. For example, she was one of the pioneers in introducing personalities such as Kim Kardashian and Ivanka Trump to the mainstream fashion dialogue, providing them a stage that greatly increased their prominence.
This editorial influence did not go unchallenged. Wintour’s choices occasionally faced opposition, like the debated 2008 magazine cover with LeBron James and Gisele Bündchen, which stirred discussions on racial imagery and representation. Nevertheless, these instances only solidified the truth that Wintour had emerged as a key player in the conversation about fashion and influence.
Her unique fashion—characterized by her distinctive bob haircut and iconic sunglasses—became synonymous with her career image. Wintour’s attendance at the Met Gala, the coveted prestige of the September edition, and numerous nods to her image in popular culture (like the imaginary Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada) all cemented her status as a cultural influencer.
Although there was an enigmatic presence about her public image, Wintour frequently minimized the focus on her persona. She was more invested in the creativity and editorial direction of the publications she managed than in personal perceptions. Nevertheless, her impact was undeniable, and she often acknowledged it with self-awareness by attending events such as the The Devil Wears Prada musical gala, accepting the parallels without explicitly validating them.
Throughout her career, Wintour managed to hold authority in an industry known for volatility. Her ability to remain relevant through seismic shifts in media—from glossy pages to digital platforms—speaks to her adaptability and strategic vision. She recognized early on the importance of online presence, even as traditional print struggled to maintain its audience. Though some critics pointed to an overemphasis on celebrity content in the digital age, Wintour defended the choices as necessary to maintain cultural relevance.
Former colleagues and fashion insiders suggest that Wintour’s decision to step back was likely her own. As chief content officer, she still holds sway over Vogue and other major Condé Nast titles, and will reportedly have a say in choosing her successor. The speculation surrounding that choice is already building.
Potential candidates include Eva Chen, holding the position of director of fashion partnerships at Instagram, where her broad digital knowledge plays a crucial role in today’s media landscape. Chioma Nnadi is frequently mentioned as well, as she oversees the editorial content at British Vogue, and is regarded as one of Wintour’s protégés. Her career advancement within the organization is being closely watched, representing a potential continuation of Wintour’s influence with a new generational view.
Other names in the conversation include Amy Astley, former Teen Vogue editor now leading Architectural Digest, as well as current senior editors like Chloe Schama and Chloe Malle. Even Wintour’s daughter, Bee Shaffer Carrozzini, a film producer with ties to the fashion world, has been mentioned—though such speculation remains firmly in the realm of conjecture.
As Wintour departs from the magazine she played a pivotal role in turning into a global powerhouse, experts in the field are assessing her influence. The fashion industry has undergone considerable changes throughout her tenure—not only in aesthetics, but also in its influence on cultural and political conversations. Issues like sustainability, ethical labor conditions, and the digital revolution have shifted fashion from a niche focus to a broader discourse on identity, values, and societal progress.
Wintour, often seen as an influential person in the elite fashion sphere, contributed to making it more approachable—while still maintaining the exceptional levels of style and inventiveness that Vogue is known for. Her ability to merge exclusivity with widespread attraction, and luxury fashion with everyday relevance, is possibly her most lasting accomplishment.
As the industry looks ahead, the challenge for her successor will be to continue navigating an ever-evolving landscape. Balancing the commercial demands of modern media with the cultural responsibilities that fashion now shoulders will be no easy task. But it is a path that Wintour has already helped chart.
In various respects, her attendance at the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez earlier this year highlighted her distinct cultural status. Featuring Sánchez on the cover in 2023, Wintour was not just a guest at the occasion—she had contributed to framing the story surrounding it.
For all her editorial achievements, Wintour’s greatest contribution may be the way she expanded fashion’s relevance beyond its traditional boundaries. She didn’t just document trends—she influenced them, predicted them, and, in many cases, created them.
As Anna Wintour leaves her role as editor-in-chief, Vogue and the broader fashion sector are entering a period of reflection and transformation. Her departure marks more than just the end of a period—it’s a chance to consider the future path for a magazine and an industry that she greatly influenced.
