After 37 years of running the fashion world’s most iconic magazine, Anna Wintour is officially stepping back from her role as editor-in-chief of American Vogue. The announcement was made during a staff meeting on Thursday morning, June 26, and marks the end of an era for the publication she helped shape into a cultural force.
But don’t get it twisted—Wintour’s not fading into the background. She’s sliding into a new title as Condé Nast’s global chief content officer and global editorial director at Vogue. That means she’ll still have her hands on the creative vision of every major brand under the Condé Nast umbrella, including Vanity Fair, GQ, Architectural Digest and others.
Vogue is now searching for someone to fill her shoes as head of editorial content for the U.S. edition. That person will still answer to Wintour, who made it clear she’ll continue to influence everything from fashion coverage to big events like the Met Gala and Vogue World.
Wintour first took over Vogue in 1988, succeeding Grace Mirabella and immediately making headlines with a groundbreaking cover that paired denim jeans with high fashion. It was a moment that signaled a new direction for the magazine—and fashion media as a whole.
At 75, Wintour says she’s ready to guide the next generation of editors. But true to form, she’s not giving up the reins entirely. She’s simply moving into a role where she can shape not just Vogue, but the future of fashion media worldwide.
