Legendary fashion editor Anna Wintour has stepped down as the editor-in-chief of US Vogue after 37 years at the top, ending a major chapter in the history of the world’s most famous fashion magazine.
Wintour, 75, made the announcement on Thursday during a staff meeting in New York, according to several US media outlets. Known for her signature bob haircut and sunglasses, Wintour has been a powerful voice in fashion since taking over Vogue in 1988.
Although she is leaving her day-to-day editing duties at Vogue, she is not retiring. Wintour will continue in her senior roles at Condé Nast, the magazine’s parent company, including as Vogue’s global editorial director and the company’s chief content officer. She will still oversee top publications like Vanity Fair, GQ, Glamour, Wired, and Condé Nast Traveler.
Under her leadership, Vogue became the ultimate fashion authority, shaping trends, launching designers, and influencing pop culture. Wintour turned the magazine from a slow-moving monthly into a glamorous, high-budget publication famous for its striking covers and luxury ads.
Wintour also became a household name after inspiring the character of Miranda Priestly in the book and film The Devil Wears Prada. Meryl Streep earned an Oscar nomination for her role in the 2006 movie, which portrayed the pressures and power dynamics of fashion publishing.
Wintour, who was born in Britain and raised by a British father and American mother, was made a Dame in 2017 and earlier this year received one of the UK’s highest honours, becoming a Companion of Honour.
She has also been the force behind the annual Met Gala in New York, one of the fashion world’s biggest events, known for its extravagant red carpet looks and celebrity attendance.
Though Vogue and other print magazines have faced challenges in the digital age, Wintour’s influence in fashion, media, and culture has remained strong. Even in her new role, she is expected to continue shaping the direction of global fashion journalism.
