Anna Wintour Resigns as Editor of US Vogue After 37 Years
Anna Wintour, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, stepped down as editor of US Vogue on Thursday, marking the end of a 37-year tenure. At 75 years old, Wintour was celebrated for her significant insights into modern fashion and her command over the magazine’s influential content.
While she is no longer involved in the day-to-day editing of the publication, Condé Nast, the magazine’s publisher, has suggested her retirement. However, she still holds important positions within the company and continues to be the global editorial director for Vogue.
Wintour, who was the inspiration for the popular 2003 novel and the subsequent film, The Devil Wears Prada, shared her announcement during a staff meeting in New York, revealing that Vogue is now looking for a new head of editorial content.
Describing her departure as a “vital decision,” Wintour stated, according to The New York Times, that she would remain at her office, focusing on global leadership and collaborating with a talented team of editors worldwide.
Legacy in Fashion
In 2017, Wintour was honored as a British dame and received honorary recognition this past February. During a London ceremony, she removed her iconic sunglasses while accepting the award and noted that King Charles III had no plans to resign.
Born in the UK to a British father and an American mother, Wintour became a driving force in glossy magazine culture. When she took over US Vogue in 1988, the publication was struggling, but she transformed it into a leading fashion authority.
With substantial budgets allocated to models, design, photography, and journalism, supported by glamorous advertisements and high subscription fees, Vogue appealed to a global audience. Nonetheless, while it continues to be a landmark in fashion media, like many print outlets, it faces challenges in the digital landscape.
Wintour’s leadership style is known for being decisive, often working independently and appearing front row at major fashion shows with her trademark bob haircut. The September issue of Vogue was highlighted in the 2015 documentary showcasing her ice queen persona alongside a more approachable side.
Additionally, she has managed the Met Gala for years—a high-profile charity event in Manhattan that draws celebrities from various fields including fashion, film, politics, and sports.
A passionate tennis enthusiast, Wintour frequently attends Grand Slam Finals and is an active fundraiser for Democratic figures like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden prior to his inauguration in January.
As Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast, Wintour will continue to oversee various publications including Vogue, Wired, Vanity Fair, GQ, Condé Nast Traveler, and Glamour.
Although she has been reticent about discussing The Devil Wears Prada, she recently remarked to the BBC about the upcoming musical adaptation, pondering whether there are similarities between her and the film’s character, Miranda.
When asked about her sunglasses, she told the outlet, “They help me see me; they help me not to see me. They help me not to be seen.” I suppose they serve as both a shield and a statement.
