In a major shift for the fashion world, Anna Wintour is officially stepping down as editor-in-chief at American Vogue, a role she has held since 1988.
During a staff meeting held on Thursday, the legendary editor announced her decision to pass the torch to a new generation of fashion storytellers. However, she’s not walking away from Vogue completely. According to PEOPLE, Wintour will continue to serve as Condé Nast’s global chief content officer and global editorial director at Vogue, which means she’ll still be very much in charge of overseeing the brand’s global influence.
“Now, I find that my greatest pleasure is helping the next generation of impassioned editors storm the field with their own ideas, supported by a new, exciting view of what a major media company can be,” Wintour told her staff.
“And that is exactly the kind of person we need to now look for to be HOEC for US Vogue.”
Wintour’s Impact on Vogue and the Fashion Industry
Wintour first took over as editor-in-chief of American Vogue in 1988, succeeding Grace Mirabella. From the very beginning, she was a game-changer.
Her leadership transformed Vogue into a pop culture and fashion juggernaut. She was responsible for rebranding the magazine into a more modern, celebrity-focused publication that reflected not just the high-fashion world, but also mainstream culture. She was the first to consistently feature celebrities on the cover, creating a new editorial standard that many other fashion magazines quickly followed.
Wintour’s sharp bob, oversized sunglasses, and icy stare became just as iconic as her editorial vision. But beneath the surface, her real power came from her ability to shape trends, break new talent, and turn Vogue into an aspirational bible for generations of fashion lovers.
What’s Next for American Vogue?
While Wintour isn’t exiting the building entirely, her departure from the U.S. editor-in-chief role marks the end of an era—and the start of something new. Vogue now faces the exciting (and pressure-filled) task of selecting a successor who can live up to her legacy while pushing the brand into its next evolution.
Sources close to Condé Nast say the search is already underway for the next head of editorial content (HOEC) at U.S. Vogue, a title that reflects the brand’s shift into multi-platform content leadership in the digital age.
Wintour’s influence will still be felt at the highest level. Her continued role as global editorial director means she’ll continue shaping Vogue’s presence in Paris, Milan, Tokyo, London, and beyond.
Fashion World Reacts to Wintour’s Transition
The industry is already buzzing with reactions to the news. Designers, editors, and celebrities have taken to social media to honor Wintour’s legacy and reflect on how she shaped their careers.