Next in Vogue: Anna Wintour’s legacy and possible editor replacements

Anna Wintour resigns from her position as the leading editor at Vogue after many years influencing the fashion industry

When Anna Wintour presented her initial edition of American Vogue at the end of 1988, the reaction from the magazine’s printer was surprising: “Was there an error?” The cover, showcasing model Michaela Bercu in a Christian Lacroix couture jacket combined with denim jeans, was a departure from the meticulously styled, formal portraits that had characterized the magazine for many years. The photograph was relaxed, taken outside, and embodied a spontaneous spirit that would represent a fresh era for Vogue.

The event laid the foundation for Wintour’s outlook, which would revolutionize more than just the magazine, reshaping the entire fashion industry. She brought an element of authenticity and accessibility to the publication, steering it away from its previous focus on pure luxury. Choosing to feature a model in denim, even though it occurred accidentally due to a wardrobe mistake, initiated a cultural shift. It suggested that fashion could be part of everyday attire, not just seen on fashion runways.

After establishing her reputation at British Vogue, Wintour was recruited to rejuvenate the American version, and for 37 years, she successfully accomplished that task. With her direction, the magazine confidently navigated through the supermodel epoch, the emergence of grunge, the predominance of celebrity culture, and the shift toward prioritizing digital storytelling. During this period, Wintour consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the broader cultural implications of fashion and its potential to impact more than just attire.

This week, Wintour revealed she would be resigning from her position as editor-in-chief of Vogue, concluding one of the most impactful editorial careers in the history of fashion. Although she will remain as chief content officer at Condé Nast—a role she has occupied since 2020—her exit from the magazine’s editorial leadership marks the end of a notable era.

Wintour’s influence with Vogue reaches well past the confines of its publication. She altered the standards of fashion covers, prominently incorporating celebrities into what was once an exclusive domain for models. During her initial year, she featured Madonna on the cover—an unexpected decision that initiated a fresh blend of fashion and pop culture. This marked the start of a shift that would ultimately include reality TV personalities, political leaders, and cultural icons gracing the magazine’s covers.

Throughout her time at Vogue, Wintour kept her finger on the pulse of public interest, adjusting the magazine’s tone to reflect broader shifts in media and consumer behavior. Her editorial instincts often translated into real-world influence. For instance, she was among the first to bring figures like Kim Kardashian and Ivanka Trump into fashion’s mainstream conversation, offering them a platform that significantly expanded their visibility.

This editorial influence did not go unchallenged. Wintour’s choices occasionally faced opposition, like the debated 2008 magazine cover with LeBron James and Gisele Bündchen, which stirred discussions on racial imagery and representation. Nevertheless, these instances only solidified the truth that Wintour had emerged as a key player in the conversation about fashion and influence.

Her singular sense of style, marked by her signature bob hairstyle and renowned sunglasses, became closely tied to her professional persona. Wintour’s presence at the Met Gala, the much-desired acclaim of the September issue, along with various references to her likeness in pop culture (such as the fictional Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada) solidified her standing as a cultural icon.

Although she projected a mysterious aura regarding her public persona, Wintour often downplayed the attention on herself. She prioritized the innovation and editorial guidance of the publications she handled rather than individual opinions. However, her influence was clear, and she was aware of it, often attending events like the The Devil Wears Prada musical celebration, acknowledging the similarities without overtly confirming them.

During her professional journey, Wintour successfully maintained influence in an ever-changing sector. Her skill in staying significant amid major media transformations—from printed glossies to digital formats—demonstrates her flexibility and insightful planning. She understood early the significance of having an online footprint, even while conventional print media faced challenges retaining its readership. While some critics argued there was too much focus on celebrity content in the era of digital media, Wintour argued that these decisions were essential to stay culturally significant.

Former colleagues and industry insiders suggest that Wintour’s decision to scale back her responsibilities was likely made autonomously. While she still holds the title of chief content officer, her impact on Vogue and other major Condé Nast magazines persists, and it is believed she will have a say in who succeeds her. Expectations surrounding this choice are already building.

Possible contenders feature Eva Chen, who serves as Instagram’s director of fashion collaborations and offers extensive digital expertise—an essential strength in the current media environment. Chioma Nnadi is also often noted, as she currently manages editorial content at British Vogue, and is seen as one of Wintour’s mentees. Her progression within the company has been observed carefully, symbolizing a potential extension of Wintour’s legacy with a fresh generational perspective.

Other individuals being discussed are Amy Astley, once at the helm of Teen Vogue and now steering Architectural Digest, along with current senior editors such as Chloe Schama and Chloe Malle. Additionally, Wintour’s daughter, Bee Shaffer Carrozzini, who works as a film producer connected to the fashion industry, has also come up in conversations—though these predictions are purely speculative.

As Wintour steps away from the magazine she helped shape into a global authority, industry observers are left to consider the weight of her influence. Fashion has changed dramatically during her tenure—not only in style but in its place within cultural and political discourse. Issues like sustainability, ethical labor practices, and digital democratization have transformed fashion from a niche interest into a broader conversation about identity, values, and social change.

Wintour, often seen as an influential person in the elite fashion sphere, contributed to making it more approachable—while still maintaining the exceptional levels of style and inventiveness that Vogue is known for. Her ability to merge exclusivity with widespread attraction, and luxury fashion with everyday relevance, is possibly her most lasting accomplishment.

As the industry looks ahead, the challenge for her successor will be to continue navigating an ever-evolving landscape. Balancing the commercial demands of modern media with the cultural responsibilities that fashion now shoulders will be no easy task. But it is a path that Wintour has already helped chart.

In several ways, her presence at the nuptials of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez earlier this year underscored her unique cultural influence. By showcasing Sánchez on the front page in 2023, Wintour was more than a participant at the event—she had helped shape the narrative around it.

Considering all her achievements in the publishing industry, Wintour’s greatest influence might be how she expanded the importance of fashion beyond its traditional boundaries. She didn’t just observe trends—she molded them, anticipated them, and, in many cases, created them.

As Anna Wintour exits the editor-in-chief role, Vogue and the broader fashion world enter a period of reflection and transition. Her departure is not just the end of an era—it’s a moment to consider what comes next for a publication, and an industry, that she helped define.