Fashion icon Anna Wintour is stepping down from her long-held position as editor-in-chief of Vogue U.S., marking the end of an era that significantly influenced the global fashion scene.
This news was confirmed by Condé Nast, the powerhouse behind the magazine. Wintour shared the news with her editorial team on Thursday.
But don’t worry she’s not leaving the industry entirely. Since 2020, Wintour has been serving as Condé Nast’s Global Chief Content Officer, guiding the editorial vision for all of the company’s major brands, which include Vanity Fair, Wired, GQ, Architectural Digest, Bon Appétit, and Condé Nast Traveler. She’ll continue in this executive role while also remaining Vogue’s Global Editorial Director.
Wintour’s impact on Vogue has been nothing short of revolutionary. When she took the reins in 1988, the magazine was struggling to maintain its cultural relevance. Under her guidance, Vogue transformed into a powerhouse in fashion media. She made daring editorial choices right from the start—her debut cover in November 1988 showcased model Michaela Bercu in jeans, a bold move that broke away from the traditional norms of the time. She also made history by featuring actor Richard Gere alongside his then-wife Cindy Crawford, marking the first time a man graced the cover of Vogue.
Wintour preferred natural, candid photography over stiff, posed shots and consistently highlighted emerging talents alongside established stars. Her editorial choices have not only launched the careers of numerous designers but have also reshaped fashion narratives and influenced global style for generations.
