Anna Wintour Steps Down as Vogue Editor-in-Chief

Anna Wintour, one of the most iconic figures in fashion, has officially stepped down as Vogue’s editor-in-chief after leading the magazine for an incredible 37 years. 

While she is leaving the top job at Vogue, she isn’t stepping away from the fashion world entirely.

At 75, Wintour will continue to serve as Condé Nast’s global chief content officer and the global editorial director for Vogue. She will also oversee the search for her replacement.

According to The Daily Front Row, Wintour shared the news with Vogue staff during an editorial meeting held on Wednesday morning.

Born in London in 1949, Wintour got her first experience in fashion at age 15, working at the famous 1960s boutique, Biba. 

She later dabbled in journalism with the underground magazine Oz, before moving to New York in the early 1970s. There, she worked at Harper’s Bazaar and New York magazine as a fashion editor.

Her journey with Vogue began in 1983 when she joined as the magazine’s first creative director. Two years later, she was appointed editor-in-chief of British Vogue. In 1987, she briefly led House & Garden, before taking over as editor-in-chief of Vogue U.S. in 1988.

Wintour’s early days at Vogue were marked by bold changes. She brought in new staff and introduced fresh ideas. Her first cover, in November 1988, showed a model wearing jeans  something that shocked many at the time.

“It broke all the rules,” Wintour said in a 2012 interview with Vogue. “It was so different from the usual glamorous close-ups with heavy makeup and lots of jewelry. But I sensed change, and that photo captured it.”

Her vision and ability to spot trends helped Vogue become the ultimate guide in fashion, even as rivals like Elle and Harper’s Bazaar tried to catch up.

Wintour was known for being deeply involved in the magazine’s production. She approved everything from the outfits to the sets of photoshoots. Since 1995, she has also managed the exclusive guest list for the Met Gala, turning it into fashion’s biggest night.

She was even portrayed in pop culture. The book The Devil Wears Prada, written by her former assistant Lauren Weisberger, was loosely based on her.

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The novel was later adapted into a hit movie starring Meryl Streep as a tough fashion editor, widely believed to be inspired by Wintour.

In 2008, Wintour was honored with an OBE (Order of the British Empire). She climbed further up the Condé Nast ladder in 2013 when she became the company’s artistic director, and in 2019 she was named global content adviser.

Although she has now left her main role at Vogue, Wintour had recently dismissed retirement talk. During a ceremony at Buckingham Palace where she was named a companion of honor, she said, “His Majesty asked if this means I’ll stop working, and I said firmly, no. I believe I still have so much more to give.”

While Anna Wintour steps down from her longtime position, her influence on Vogue and the wider fashion industry remains strong.

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