Anna Wintour’s Fashion Legacy Lives On: Iconic Editor Steps Down While Maintaining Global Influence

A Historic Transition in Fashion Leadership

Anna Wintour, the industry’s most recognizable fashion editor, is stepping down from her position as editor-in-chief of American Vogue, while continuing her role at Condé Nast.

The announcement follows recent accolades for Wintour, including her appointment as Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2023 and being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.

Legacy and Impact

Wintour’s tenure was marked by groundbreaking decisions, including her first issue in November 1988, which featured Israeli model Michaela Bercu in stonewashed jeans—the first time jeans had appeared on Vogue’s cover. This bold choice set the tone for hundreds of issues that followed, with Wintour consistently making unprecedented editorial decisions.

Beyond Vogue, Wintour’s influence expanded in 2020 when she became Condé Nast’s chief content officer, overseeing global titles including Vanity Fair, Wired, GQ, Architectural Digest, Bon Appétit and Condé Nast Traveler.

The Next Chapter

Condé Nast has named Chloe Malle as the head of US editorial content and Wintour’s successor, marking a new era for the fashion powerhouse. While Wintour has stepped down as editor-in-chief, she will maintain her positions as Vogue’s global editorial director and Condé Nast’s global chief content officer. Malle will oversee Vogue’s daily operations across print and digital, reporting directly to Wintour.

Future Outlook

Speaking about the transition, Wintour emphasized that ‘Vogue must continue to be both the standard-bearer and the boundary-pushing leader.’ She expressed confidence in Malle’s ability to balance American Vogue’s historic legacy with its future, noting her excitement to work with Malle both as a mentor and student as the publication ventures into new territory.