Anna Wintour resigns from her position as the leading editor at Vogue after many years influencing the fashion industry
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 event laid the foundation for Wintour’s outlook, which would revolutionize more than just the magazine, reshaping the entire fashion industry. She brought an element of authenticity and accessibility to the publication, steering it away from its previous focus on pure luxury. Choosing to feature a model in denim, even though it occurred accidentally due to a wardrobe mistake, initiated a cultural shift. It suggested that fashion could be part of everyday attire, not just seen on fashion runways.
After establishing her reputation at British Vogue, Wintour was recruited to rejuvenate the American version, and for 37 years, she successfully accomplished that task. With her direction, the magazine confidently navigated through the supermodel epoch, the emergence of grunge, the predominance of celebrity culture, and the shift toward prioritizing digital storytelling. During this period, Wintour consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the broader cultural implications of fashion and its potential to impact more than just attire.
This week, Wintour announced she would be stepping down from her role as editor-in-chief of Vogue, wrapping up one of the most significant editorial tenures in the fashion world. Even though she will continue as chief content officer at Condé Nast—a position she has held since 2020—her departure from the magazine’s editorial helm signifies the conclusion of a remarkable chapter.
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.
Throughout her time at Vogue, Wintour kept her finger on the pulse of public interest, adjusting the magazine’s tone to reflect broader shifts in media and consumer behavior. Her editorial instincts often translated into real-world influence. For instance, she was among the first to bring figures like Kim Kardashian and Ivanka Trump into fashion’s mainstream conversation, offering them a platform that significantly expanded their visibility.
This editorial power wasn’t without criticism. Wintour’s decisions sometimes sparked backlash, such as the controversial 2008 cover featuring LeBron James and Gisele Bündchen, which prompted debate over racial imagery and representation. Yet, such moments only further cemented the reality that Wintour had become a central figure in the dialogue around fashion and power.
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.
Past coworkers and those knowledgeable in the fashion industry propose that Wintour’s choice to reduce her role was probably made independently. Though she remains the chief content officer, she continues to influence Vogue and other prominent Condé Nast publications, and will supposedly have input in selecting who follows in her footsteps. Anticipation regarding this decision is already rising.
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 people mentioned include Amy Astley, who used to be in charge of Teen Vogue and currently leads Architectural Digest, as well as senior editors like Chloe Schama and Chloe Malle. Furthermore, Wintour’s daughter, Bee Shaffer Carrozzini, involved in film production within the fashion realm, has also been part of the discussions—though such forecasts are entirely conjectural.
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, frequently regarded as a key figure in fashion’s exclusive community, played a role in making it more accessible—while still upholding the high standards of taste and creativity that Vogue is renowned for. Her talent for combining exclusivity with broad appeal, and luxury fashion with everyday significance, is likely her most enduring achievement.
As the sector considers the future, the task for the person following in her footsteps will be to keep managing an ever-changing environment. Juggling the business demands of contemporary media with the cultural duties now associated with fashion won’t be simple. However, Wintour has already contributed to paving this path.
In several ways, her presence at the nuptials of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez earlier this year underscored her unique cultural influence. By showcasing Sánchez on the front page in 2023, Wintour was more than a participant at the event—she had helped shape the narrative around 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 steps down from her position as editor-in-chief, Vogue and the larger fashion industry find themselves in a phase of contemplation and change. Her exit signifies more than just the closure of an era—it’s an opportunity to ponder the future direction for a magazine and an industry that she significantly shaped.
