In a landmark moment for the fashion world, Anna Wintour has officially stepped down as the editor-in-chief of American Vogue, ending an extraordinary 37-year reign. Since taking over in 1988, Wintour has become synonymous with the publication and transformed it into a global fashion authority. Her decision, shared with Vogue staff on June 26, 2025, marks not a retirement, but a strategic transition into broader global leadership within Condé Nast.
Despite stepping back from day-to-day editorial duties at American Vogue, Wintour will continue to hold significant influence as the Global Editorial Director of Vogue and Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast. This ensures that her vision will still guide the brand’s direction across all international editions, maintaining her grip on the helm of global fashion media.
From Editorial Assistant to Fashion Royalty
Born in London in 1949, Wintour began her career in the fashion departments of Harper’s & Queen and Harper’s Bazaar before eventually moving to British Vogue. Her sharp editorial instincts and distinctive vision earned her the top job at American Vogue in 1988. With her debut cover—model Michaela Bercu in a haute couture jacket paired with $50 jeans—Wintour signaled her intent to break convention. That fusion of high fashion with accessible style would become her trademark.
Over the years, she not only transformed Vogue’s editorial voice but also reshaped how the world viewed fashion. Her emphasis on celebrity culture, influence over designers and models, and ability to merge commerce with creativity solidified her place as one of fashion’s most powerful figures.
The Power and Precision of Anna Wintour
Wintour’s impact goes far beyond publishing. She played a pivotal role in redefining the very nature of the fashion industry, bringing structure, star power, and serious business acumen to a world once seen as frivolous. Under her direction, Vogue didn’t just cover trends—it dictated them.
She brought celebrities to fashion magazine covers, with icons like Madonna, Michelle Obama, Kim Kardashian, and Beyoncé gracing Vogue under her leadership. The annual Met Gala, once a charity fundraiser, evolved into fashion’s most prestigious night out under Wintour’s stewardship. She also had a deep hand in talent discovery, mentoring editors, stylists, and designers who are now global names.
But her legacy is not without critique. Known for her icy professionalism and steely control, Wintour earned the nickname “Nuclear Wintour.” Her character inspired the fictional Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, a role that helped crystallize public fascination with her. Yet many who worked with her describe a complex figure—demanding, yes, but deeply supportive and an unparalleled mentor.
The Transition: What Comes Next for Vogue?
In her announcement to staff, Wintour explained that she would no longer run American Vogue day-to-day and that a new Head of Editorial Content would be appointed. This person will handle the brand’s operations in the U.S., reporting directly to Wintour in her global role. The change is part of a larger restructuring at Condé Nast, which now operates with a consolidated, international strategy for its publications.
This move allows Wintour to focus on global storytelling, brand expansion, and high-level editorial strategy. Her presence remains central to key events like the Met Gala and fashion initiatives across all Condé Nast platforms.
Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch praised her “extraordinary contributions,” noting that this shift better aligns her responsibilities with the realities of her expansive role across Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, Wired, and others.
Honors and Lasting Recognition
Over her illustrious career, Wintour has received widespread accolades:
Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), awarded by Queen Elizabeth II in 2017 for her contribution to fashion and journalism. Companion of Honour, awarded in 2023 by King Charles III. Presidential Medal of Freedom, conferred in 2025 by the U.S. government—one of the highest civilian honors.
These accolades reflect her global impact and the recognition she commands not only in fashion but in journalism, culture, and business.
Industry Response: End of an Era or Start of a New One?
The response to her announcement has been one of reverence, nostalgia, and curiosity. Publications from The Guardian to Business of Fashion reflected on her unmatched influence and the void her absence will create in American editorial leadership. Colleagues recall not only her meticulous nature but also her ability to champion talent and build empires.
Some view this moment not as an ending but as a strategic shift. With Wintour’s global role growing even more powerful, her departure from U.S. editorial operations allows new voices to emerge, while her guiding influence remains intact. It’s a balancing act of continuity and change.
A Polarizing Final Cover?
Coinciding with her announcement, Vogue’s June 2025 digital cover featured Lauren Sánchez Bezos, the new wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, during her lavish Venice wedding. The internet exploded with criticism—many calling it out of touch and symbolic of the publication’s detachment from its core fashion roots.
Critics described the choice as tone-deaf, particularly as Sánchez is known more for her high-profile marriage than any contributions to fashion or culture. Many online speculated whether Wintour signed off on the cover, wondering if this would be remembered as her final editorial decision.
Legacy and the Road Ahead
Anna Wintour leaves behind a towering legacy that few can rival. She made Vogue more than a magazine—it became a cultural force. Her leadership brought business acumen into an artistic industry, elevated fashion journalism to new heights, and ensured Vogue’s place in the cultural zeitgeist.
Yet even as she steps back, she isn’t stepping away. Her new role gives her greater authority over Vogue’s global voice than ever before. What comes next for American Vogue depends on who is chosen to succeed her, but one thing is certain: the magazine she reshaped over nearly four decades will continue to carry her imprint.
This transition marks a symbolic handover—not of power, but of perspective. It invites innovation while honoring tradition. And with Anna Wintour still in the picture, Vogue’s evolution is far from over.
