Anna Wintour steps down after 37 years at Vogue

Introduction: Why Anna Wintour’s departure matters

Anna Wintour has been one of the most influential figures in fashion publishing for nearly four decades. Her decision to step down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue in 2025 marks a significant moment for the magazine, the wider fashion industry and Condé Nast’s editorial leadership. Given her long tenure and role in reshaping Vogue into a global powerhouse, the transition is relevant to readers who follow media leadership, fashion trends and corporate succession in legacy publications.

Main body: The facts and timeline

Long tenure and influence

Born 3 November 1949, Anna Wintour is a British and American media executive who served as editor-in-chief of American Vogue from 1988 to 2025. Across 37 years at the magazine’s helm, Wintour is widely credited with revitalising Vogue and transforming it into a leading force in fashion publishing. Her tenure was longer than any previous editor-in-chief, and she became a central figure in both the magazine and the fashion world.

Stepping down and new role

In June 2025 Wintour announced she would step down as editor-in-chief. Sources indicate she will not leave Condé Nast; instead she will continue in a senior capacity overseeing the brand globally. Reports describe her continuing role as the magazine’s global editorial director or global chief content officer, retaining influence over Vogue’s broader content and strategy while vacating the day-to-day editor-in-chief title.

Succession and organisational change

On 1 September 2025, Vogue announced Chloe Malle would take on a newly defined leadership role as the publication’s first head of editorial content, effectively succeeding the editor-in-chief responsibilities Wintour had held. The change reflects both a handing over of the traditional editor-in-chief title and a reconfiguration of editorial leadership within the magazine.

Conclusion: What this means for readers and the industry

Anna Wintour’s move from editor-in-chief to a global editorial leadership role signals a generational shift at Vogue while maintaining continuity at the top of Condé Nast’s fashion brand. For readers and industry observers, the change could bring new editorial approaches under Chloe Malle alongside Wintour’s continued strategic influence. The transition will be watched closely for how it shapes Vogue’s voice, business strategy and role in fashion culture going forward.