Anna Wintour to Step Down as US Vogue Editor-in-Chief

[theshadedgaze]

^ I will chime in. The death of print has been greatly exaggerated. It’s definitely not what it used to be, but one of the companies I work with deals with media figures and analysis, and print is still a viable industry. And it is still able to conjure incredible numbers. And I’m not just talking about monthly magazines, even daily newspapers can have big circulation increases depending on what is going on in the world. Like when Kamala was announced officially as the candidate print circulation increased between 30 and 50% depending on the newspaper the day after. Historic events obviously have more impact and people still want a physical reminder of when something happened.
And you can still see monthly magazines pulling over 100k on the newsstand alone.
Now my own opinion is that when people buy a print product it is far more impactful from a content and advertising perspective because that person who is reading has to pay for their product, it’s not a a random free post that you just scroll past.

 

[Fiercification]

Misleading news, clickbait in many ways. I'm not sure much will change, at least not for a little while yet, until she gets really bored and signs off from overseeing Vogue, which could likely happen. Wouldn't be surprised if she still picks the cover stars even with another "head of editorial content" posted up at the magazine. Makes you wonder if it's even going to be any one vaguely talented l/influential/known who's going to take on that role if it's not much more than what we've got at most of the international titles ATM.

 

[vogue22]

To me what made Anna so successful, besides the actual editor work, was that she always seemed to have her finger on the pulse of culture.

I’m not sure I’d call putting white, skinny actresses on the cover of Vogue for over a decade ‘having your finger on the pulse of culture’.

 

[Nimsay]

Anna revolutionized fashion by elevating style across the industry. Her work in the 2000s transformed brands like Gap from shapeless, styleless clothing into trendsetters, paving the way for retailers like Zara.

I just think the problem with Vogue is that normies do not think its anything special anymore. Which is - ultimately - a complete and total failure of the brand image. Anna shouldve gotten canned for Hally Beiber alone.

 

[PierreGotha]

The Headlines and tone that are being circulated are, in general, misleading.

Condé Nast is streamlining her workload and consolidating her responsibilities to take a more global and holistic approach.
Anna also doesn't mind that she gives up her EIC title when she has full control and authority for all Vogue content.

This Head of Editorial title and role feels like a tributary middle management position that answers to Anna directly.

 

[callmejaeden]

As Anna Wintour Shifts Her Focus at Condé Nast,​

BY CYDNEY GASTHALTER
June 26, 2025

This morning, Anna Wintour shared with Vogue staff that the title would soon be seeking a head of editorial content.

While Wintour will continue in her roles as chief content officer for Condé Nast—overseeing editorial for brands, including WIRED, Vanity Fair, GQ, AD, Condé Nast Traveler, Glamour, Bon Appétit, Tatler, World of Interiors, Allure, Teen Vogue, Ars Technica, and Them globally—as well as global editorial director for Vogue, Vogue US’s new head of editorial content will lead the magazine’s daily operations across platforms. The person who fills that role will report directly to Wintour, in keeping with the heads of editorial content at all Vogues.


Over the last four years, Wintour’s role at Condé Nast has vastly expanded, her remit across the company’s global titles growing alongside her work editing VogueUS and overseeing events including Vogue World and the Met Gala. In effect, the addition of a new editorial lead for Vogue US will allow Wintour greater time and flexibility to support the other global markets that Condé Nast serves.


“Anybody in a creative field knows how essential it is never to stop growing in one’s work,” Wintour told Vogue staff in a meeting on Thursday. “When I became the editor of Vogue, I was eager to prove to all who might listen that there was a new, exciting way to imagine an American fashion magazine.”


“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. And that is exactly the kind of person we need to now look for to be HOEC for US Vogue.”

She went on to add that on a practical level, many of her responsibilities at Voguewould remain the same, “including paying very close attention to the fashion industry and the creative cultural force that is our extraordinary Met Ball and charting the course of future Vogue Worlds and any other original fearless ideas we may come up with. And it goes without saying that I plan to remain Vogue’s tennis and theater editor in perpetuity.



“But how thrilling it will be,” she concluded, “to work alongside someone new who will challenge us, inspire us, and make us all think about Vogue in a myriad of original ways.”

vogue.com

 

[Lola701]

I’m not sure I’d call putting white, skinny actresses on the cover of Vogue for over a decade ‘having your finger on the pulse of culture’.

But she had/has her finger on the pulse of culture and it’s also what has hurt the perception of a magazine like Vogue for the industry.
Anna at Vogue has helped shape the current cultural landscape in fashion and entertainment by playing those dangerous liaisons with Hollywood, the music industry, fashion and politics.

In a western still culturally dominated by America world, those skinny white actresses are still today icons in cinema and culture all around the world. Gwyneth Paltrow, Claire Danes, Nicole Kidman, Amy Adams, Angelina Jolie or Margot Robbie are still for some icons or stars worldwide.
I don’t know if it was done with some king of cynism but it meant great business.

I wish Vogue maybe championed more diversity but who am I to say it when Vogue Paris was barely diverse in it pages. Vogue Paris was fabulous but I think I saw more diversity in ELLE France and US magazines in my lifetime than in VP.

The liaisons dangereuses of Anna ultimately pushed Vogue into a more mainstream area. But so far her magazine I think is a reflection of the changes in the landscape of fashion and pop culture, more than VP or VI.

And maybe the sad thing in the industry is that her model became a standard. There’s no more avant-garde, indie or cutting edge magazines because ultimately by being on the pulse, she also absorbed their codes. And again, others glossies followed.

 

[Xone]

The new person will be someone Anna can control and follow her lead and wishes...like a premiun assistant...lol

 

[theshadedgaze]

I just want to say that while she isn’t really leaving completely, several people in the last day I’ve worked with are treating this like Queen Elizabeth just died all over again. They can’t believe she is giving up the day to day, everyone assumed she would want full control and involvement til her last breath. A solemn and interesting mood. I discussed with a few people the many fabled stories of how her predecessors were treated and that she appears to have the upper hand even if there was internal politics at play with this decision.

And on a light hearted note, did anyone see the instagram account “wintourdrobe”’s post where she was seen at a bar. That made me giggle just imagining her dropping this news and then being seen at a bar. I’m fairly certain it was for a pride event of some sort for Them but still a funny scenario to think about.

 

[LastNight]

There’s a piece in The Observer about this today. Annoyingly, 2 of the 6 Vogue covers that they’ve printed alongside the article - and credited as Anna’s - are actually British Vogue covers from Alexandra Shulman’s era, including Shulman’s final cover. Quite sloppy.

 

[jeremydante]

Watch Bee Shafer get announced as her successor.

(and yes, I know she denied wanting to take over, but I don't necessarily believe her- anyone will do a job for the right pay)

 

[nationalsalt]

As far as I'm aware, Marc Jacobs is the first and only guest editor of American Vogue to date. Could he be a possible contender?

I know his editorship was seen by some as more of a publicity stunt for the Chanel job, but he came up with a couple of interesting spreads. Now that his own business is somewhat past its prime, could this be the next step for him?

 

[Lola701]

Do we have any idea of what would be her last issue?

As far as I'm aware, Marc Jacobs is the first and only guest editor of American Vogue to date. Could he be a possible contender?

I know his editorship was seen by some as more of a publicity stunt for the Chanel job, but he came up with a couple of interesting spreads. Now that his own business is somewhat past its prime, could this be the next step for him?

He would have to quit his position at his own brand for that.
This is major conflict of interest…

And I don’t think he can deal with the politics and heartache that comes with being the EIC of a magazine.

There’s much more balance in been a designer/CD…Even more of his own brand.

 

[AFWQ]

From Deuxmoi

 

[ivano]

Her final issue could be a group of hollywood stars, like Edward did. Or a Jenner/Kardashian (worst prediction) or in my fantasy, just a model smiling, like her very fist cover to wrap in full circle. Annie or Meisel are my candidates to make that cover(s, multiple maybe!). So sad Lindbergh is not here.

 

[caioherrero]

From Deuxmoi

View attachment 1392248

Who?

 

[theshadedgaze]

Either LSD, Virginia Smith or Amy Astley (although I believe she is still blonde).
LSD, beautiful and definitely has the media attention but no real experience running a magazine. She has been a great asset though for Vogue to have and be able to tab into. And a great fundraiser for political campaigns if Condé Nast still wants to have that kind of power attached to the title.
Virginia could definitely be the one talked about in this email. She without a doubt is very loyal and subservient to Anna and Condé Nast. Amy Ashley would be the smarter choice I think. The most experienced person out of the three, that I’m thinking of.
Too bad Anna’s original protégé Kate Betts isn’t in the game anymore. Although I didn’t care for the art direction of her Bazaar she at least seemed to have a good head on her shoulders.

 

[theshadedgaze]

Her final issue could be a group of hollywood stars, like Edward did. Or a Jenner/Kardashian (worst prediction) or in my fantasy, just a model smiling, like her very fist cover to wrap in full circle. Annie or Meisel are my candidates to make that cover(s, multiple maybe!). So sad Lindbergh is not here.

I like the last idea, a young model smiling wearing a high low mix. It would be fitting. But I really wonder if we can consider it her last cover? I imagine Anna will still get her “kind suggestions” pushed through.

 

[caioherrero]

I would love Linda Evangelista too

 

[NYLA22]

Either LSD, Virginia Smith or Amy Astley (although I believe she is still blonde).
LSD, beautiful and definitely has the media attention but no real experience running a magazine. She has been a great asset though for Vogue to have and be able to tab into. And a great fundraiser for political campaigns if Condé Nast still wants to have that kind of power attached to the title.
Virginia could definitely be the one talked about in this email. She without a doubt is very loyal and subservient to Anna and Condé Nast. Amy Ashley would be the smarter choice I think. The most experienced person out of the three, that I’m thinking of.
Too bad Anna’s original protégé Kate Betts isn’t in the game anymore. Although I didn’t care for the art direction of her Bazaar she at least seemed to have a good head on her shoulders.

LSD is the co-founder and C-Suite executive of a major e-comm platform. The Vogue job would be a huge step down for her. Ditto Amy Astley, who is already the head of another major magazine. They are both way too experienced and "boss women" to take this job. It will be Chloe Malle or Chioma. I think the job is even too small (as it is now) for Sara Moonves.