The Wintour Discussion Unfolds
In a significant shift for the fashion industry, Anna Wintour, the long-standing editor-in-chief of American Vogue, has announced that she will be stepping away from the editorship. However, she will continue her roles as chief content officer and global editorial director for Condé Nast, overseeing Vogue and maintaining her involvement in the Met Gala, shows, Vogue World, and traveling to other markets.
Wintour's departure from the editorship role, after four decades at Vogue, has sparked discussions about the lack of business news coverage of her compared to her male peers. Chloe Malle has been appointed as the new editor-in-chief, with Wintour remaining at Condé Nast. Malle's appointment marks a new era for Vogue, while Wintour continues to exert her influence from behind the scenes.
Robin Givhan, the cultural critic and author, suggests that the role of editors-in-chief has evolved, with less all-encompassing clout compared to previous times. This might be for the best, he says, as readers still "ultimately crave an editor's expertise, or at least a distinctive editorial sensibility."
Stella Bugbee, the Styles editor at the New York Times, praises Wintour's "stamina more akin to elite athletes than old-fashioned editors." Dodai Stewart, a writer and editor covering New York City for the Times, affirms Wintour's rank as "the most influential magazine editor of our time" as "undeniable."
The succession question at Vogue seems to be about maintaining the status quo at the magazine. Amy Odell, author of Anna: The Biography (2022), notes that Wintour spent about half her career at Vogue growing her star editor status and the other half managing a decline tied to the 2008 recession. It is likely that the next editor of Vogue will be someone who is already part of the Vogue family.
Recho Omondi, the host of The Cutting Room Floor, a popular fashion podcast, considers the widespread belief that fashion designers live or die by Wintour's personal approval. Meanwhile, Michael Grynbaum, a media correspondent for the Times, states that Condé's business model turns news consumption into an experience for all. Norwich expressed concern about the lack of business news coverage of Wintour compared to her male peers in light of this.
Wintour is seeking a "head of editorial content" who will serve under her as a direct report. The format of print is dead, and we are in the world of short-form vertical content, according to Recho Omondi. Givhan states that there isn't a "next Anna Wintour," but rather a new chapter for Vogue.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to correctly cite an article by Jessica Testa.
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