Icon Anna Wintour steps down as US Vogue editor after nearly 40 years

Anna Wintour has stepped down as editor-in-chief of the American edition of Vogue after a tenure spanning almost four decades.

The announcement was made during a staff meeting on Thursday.

Wintour, 75, took over as editor-in-chief of Vogue in 1988 and played a pivotal role in shaping the magazine's influence over fashion trends and the careers of designers worldwide.

Known for her distinctive style and editorial authority, she helped cement Vogue's position as a powerful platform in the fashion world. Her leadership style was noted for its strong editorial control and rigorous standards.

While stepping down from the editor role, Wintour will continue with Condé Nast as global chief content officer and remain editorial director at Vogue.

This dual role will see her overseeing broader content strategy across Condé Nast’s portfolio.

Anna Wintour

Next steps

Wintour's departure as Vogue editor opens the search for a new editorial leader to guide the US title through a rapidly evolving media landscape, where digital transformation and audience engagement are key challenges.

Her influence extended beyond publishing, including shaping major fashion events like the Met Gala.

She has been recognised for her contributions to fashion and journalism with honours including a Damehood in 2017 and a Companion of Honour earlier this year.

At the recent award ceremony, Wintour indicated her intention to continue working in the industry despite stepping back from day-to-day editorial duties.

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