Anna Wintour is preparing to transition away from her hands-on role as editor of American Vogue, with the publication set to welcome a new head of editorial content.
While she will relinquish the day-to-day editing responsibilities, Wintour will continue to hold significant influence, remaining as the global head of Vogue and chief content officer of Condé Nast. This media conglomerate oversees a vast portfolio of influential brands, including Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, Allure, Condé Nast Traveler, and Wired.
The establishment of this new role at American Vogue will free Wintour to dedicate more of her attention to her broader responsibilities within Condé Nast, according to reports.
Wintour reportedly informed her staff of the change during a meeting held earlier today, Thursday.
This transition marks the end of Wintour’s impressive 37-year tenure as editor of American Vogue, a role she has held since 1988, steering the creative direction of the renowned New York fashion magazine.
Widely considered a highly influential figure in both the publishing and fashion industries, the British-American editor’s impact is undeniable.
Since 1995, Wintour has also been at the helm of the Met Gala, a high-profile annual fundraising event in New York City known for its star-studded guest list.
Earlier this year, Wintour was honored with membership in the prestigious Order of the Companions of Honour, recognizing her significant contributions to the fashion world. She joins a select group of individuals, including Judi Dench, Elton John, David Hockney, and Paul McCartney.
Established in 1917 by George V, the Order of the Companions of Honour is limited to a maximum of 65 members. Appointments are bestowed upon individuals who have made outstanding and long-lasting contributions to the arts, science, medicine, or government.
Following the investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Wintour made it clear that she has no plans to retire in the near future.
She stated, “The last time I was here, the Queen gave me a medal, and we both agreed that we had been doing our job for a very long time. And then this morning, His Majesty asked me if this meant I was going to stop working, and I said firmly, no.”
It is rumored that Wintour served as the inspiration for the character Miranda Priestly in Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling 2003 novel, “The Devil Wears Prada,” as Weisberger once worked as Wintour’s personal assistant.
The book was adapted into a successful film in 2006, starring Meryl Streep in the role of Priestly.