Anna Wintour Leaves Vogue: Can the Iconic Magazine Thrive Without Her?

In May 1989, Anna Wintour made a bold move as the new editor-in-chief of US Vogue: she put Madonna on the cover. This was groundbreaking. Just a year into her role, she showed she understood the pulse of the times. According to Amy Odell, author of Anna: The Biography, featuring Madonna was riskier than putting a model in jeans, which Wintour had done the previous year. Styling icon Marian Kwei agrees, stating that Wintour made Vogue more accessible to young people, connecting it to pop culture.

Nearly 40 years later, Wintour is stepping back as editor-in-chief but will remain as global editorial director. Chloe Malle, a 39-year-old rising star, will take over the editorial content. Some view Wintour’s presence as a sign of clinging to power, while others see it as a strategic choice to maintain Vogue’s influence in a fast-changing media landscape.

Gone are the days when magazines like Vogue dictated fashion trends from the top. Now, they face fierce competition from social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. A recent survey showed that 54% of young people prefer fashion content on these platforms over print magazines. As Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, founder of the academic magazine Vestoj, notes, Vogue has significantly less relevance now compared to the 1980s.

With Malle stepping in, she may reshape Vogue’s strategy. Reports suggest she plans to release special issues tied to themes or events, instead of the usual monthly schedule. This could refresh the magazine’s identity as something collectible rather than disposable.

Wintour has continually broadening the types of individuals on Vogue’s cover. She featured not just models but also royalty, athletes, and influencers. This approach sometimes sparked controversy; for example, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s cover made headlines in 2014. Kwei recalls the backlash, saying it reflected Wintour’s knack for predicting cultural shifts.

However, the magazine must navigate scrutiny related to its choice of cover subjects. Recently, the highlight of Lauren Sanchez and her husband Jeff Bezos drew mixed reactions. Critics argued that this shift towards celebrating wealth over fashion reflected a worrying trend.

Vogue has a storied history, which gives it resilience in the face of modern criticism. Lauren Sherman, a fashion journalist, asserts that the Vogue brand remains one of the most significant in the world, even if its leadership changes.

Wintour’s influence extends beyond fashion; she has become a cultural icon, even inspiring movies. Critics note that she has been slow to push for diversity, but her celebrity status keeps her relevant.

As Malle begins her role, the industry is keen to see if Vogue can maintain its cultural weight without Wintour’s direct input. It will be a test of whether Malle can utilize the magazine’s legacy to influence new trends effectively.

Wintour has left an indelible mark on the fashion world, and the next chapter for Vogue is just beginning. Only time will tell if Malle can continue the journey and make her own impact.

For more insights on the evolving fashion industry, check out The New York Times’ report about Chloe Malle’s appointment.

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