Anna Wintour Steps Down; Is Vogue Seeking a New Head of Editorial Content?

The magazine legend, the inspiration behind “The Devil Wears Prada,” Anna Wintour, has stepped down. Yes, the Editor-in-Chief of the fashion bible Vogue has decided to step down after a total of 37 years on Thursday, 26th June.

What an end of an era.

However, it’s not all bad as Wintour (who is currently 75 years of age) will remain chief content officer Condé Nast and global editorial director, Vogue. Now, Wintour’s departure begs the question: Who could possibly fill her shoes?

Farewell to the Face Behind Vogue

“Anybody in a creative field knows how essential it is never to stop growing in one’s work. 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,” Wintour told Vogue staff.

British-born Anna Wintour has been one of the most influential and formidable figures in fashion and magazine journalism for decades. She is famous for her ever-present sunglasses, unchanging bob haircut and an intimidating aura.

Since 1988, she’s been at the helm of Vogue. Anna has single-handedly transformed Vogue from a traditional fashion magazine into a global trademark of fashion.

She was widely seen as the inspiration behind The Devil Wears Prada, a hit 2003 novel and 2006 movie, in which the role of a tyrannical magazine editor was played by Meryl Streep.

Throughout her tenure, the longtime editor has been well-known for championing younger designers, giving them multiple opportunities to expand their businesses and exposure.

Why Anna Wintour Steps Down Now

Sources suggest that Wintour is ready for a new chapter in her career. While no scandal or drama appears to be at play, there’s growing speculation that she wants to prioritise mentorship and behind-the-scenes advisory roles at Condé Nast and in the broader creative world.

Over the last four years, Wintour’s role at Condé Nast has vastly expanded too, her remit across the company’s global titles growing alongside her work editing Vogue US 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.

Who will Replace Anna Wintour?

Of course, the big question now is who will succeed Wintour in fashion’s most prominent job. Condé Nast hasn’t announced a replacement as of now.

Some insiders suggest that Chioma Nnadi (the head of British Vogue) may be in the running. Others think Edward Enninful might finally step into the spotlight. Eva Chen, a fashion week fixture and Met Gala regular, was also named on social media. Whoever the editor is, the fashion trends and the fashion industry will certainly see a big shift.

Amy Astley’s name also quickly made the rounds, as she was the head of Teen Vogue when it was at its peak and, most notably, was handpicked by Wintour herself for the gig at the time.

Wintour will undoubtedly play a role in selecting her successor, and there will be many hoping for consideration.

Some even suggest that the nepo baby, Anna Wintour’s own daughter, Bee Shaffer Carrozzini, is also a potential hire. This seems very likely because, firstly, that’s literally her daughter, and many prefer to leave behind their own in order to keep the legacy.

Secondly, Wintour recently left Vanity Fair staff ‘blindsided‘ over her surprising decision to appoint her daughter’s friend to run the magazine. This indicates the start of her daughter stepping in while the mother, Anna Wintour, steps down from the throne.