Fashion trailblazer remains global chief content officer at Condé Nast
After more than three decades defining the aesthetic and cultural tone of American Vogue, Anna Wintour is stepping down as editor-in-chief.
According to WWD, Wintour, 75, announced her decision during a Vogue staff meeting held Wednesday, June 25. Though she will depart from her longstanding editorial leadership of the U.S. edition, Wintour is not leaving the publishing world. She will remain Condé Nast’s global chief content officer and global editorial director at Vogue, continuing to oversee the company’s extensive portfolio of media brands across the globe.
A Legacy That Redefined Fashion Publishing
Wintour began her tenure at Vogue in 1988, succeeding Grace Mirabella. From the outset, she ushered in a new editorial vision, one that prioritized cultural relevance and accessibility alongside couture.
Her very first cover, in November 1988, made headlines. Instead of the high-glam, stylized shots that had defined Vogue’s past, Wintour chose a relaxed image of model Michaela Bercu wearing a $10,000 Christian Lacroix couture top with a $50 pair of jeans. The cover marked the first time denim appeared on the front of Vogue and was shot by Peter Lindbergh.
“It broke all the rules,” Wintour said in a 2012 interview with Vogue, explaining that she had simply sensed a shift in the cultural moment. That shift would become a defining theme throughout her career, blending the highbrow with the relatable and transforming the way fashion media connected with its readers.
Pop Culture and Power Moves
Beyond the pages of Vogue, Wintour became a cultural icon in her own right. Her commanding presence and signature style, her sleek bob haircut and ever-present sunglasses, were famously parodied and referenced, most notably in Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel The Devil Wears Prada, inspired in part by Wintour’s reputation as a formidable boss. The film adaptation, released in 2006, starred Meryl Streep in a role that many viewed as a fictionalized portrayal of Wintour. Ever self-aware, Wintour attended the premiere wearing Prada.
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In 2009, Wintour opened up Vogue’s editorial process to the public with the documentary The September Issue, offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the magazine’s most anticipated annual edition.
Her leadership style, though often described as demanding, has led Vogue through major cultural shifts, from the rise of digital media to a growing call for diversity and inclusion in fashion. She also played a key role in launching the careers of now-household-name designers and stylists.
What’s Changing at Vogue?
Wintour’s departure from her U.S.-focused role comes as part of a broader reorganization at Condé Nast. In recent years, the media conglomerate has centralized its editorial operations across global markets, replacing traditional editor-in-chief roles with “heads of editorial content” in several countries. Wintour’s announcement signals that the same change is coming for American Vogue.
The new U.S.-based head of editorial content has not yet been named.
In her global role, Wintour will continue overseeing publications such as Vanity Fair, GQ, Architectural Digest, Allure, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, and Wired, among others, essentially every Condé Nast title aside from The New Yorker.
Reactions From the Fashion World
As news of Wintour’s transition spread, fans and fashion professionals alike took to social media to reflect on her impact.
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“This is the fashions world equivalence to queen elizabeth dying,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “She made Vogue feel like the pulse of culture.”
this is the fashions world equivalence to queen elizabeth dying
— jack (@livnerys) June 26, 2025
Curious fans started questioning who could be a good fit for her replacement. Amongst the pitched contenders were Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, and even fictitious characters like Miranda Priestly and Nigel from The Devil Wears Prada.
It’s his turn. pic.twitter.com/2L4ocnKYCx
— indietronica (@indietronicaone) June 26, 2025
Wintour’s name has long been synonymous with Vogue, but her continued influence as global content chief ensures her presence will still be felt throughout the industry.
I saw this and got so nervous.
But wow. End of an era. pic.twitter.com/l5sOcDvQcs
— Alexander Nevermind (@AlexNever347) June 26, 2025
Looking Ahead
While Wintour’s exit from her longtime role marks the end of an era, her editorial reach remains vast. As Condé Nast continues reimagining its global strategy, Wintour’s role will center on guiding the company’s evolving identity while helping shape the future of fashion media worldwide.
One chapter closes, but the story of Anna Wintour and Vogue continues.
