Anna Wintour Steps Back from Vogue's Daily Operations After 37 Years—But Her Fashion Power Remains
By USA NEWS TODAY| June 26, 2025
In a monumental shift that sent ripples across the fashion world, Anna Wintour—arguably the most powerful figure in fashion publishing—announced she's stepping back from day-to-day operations at Vogue after leading the iconic magazine for 37 years.
But make no mistake—Wintour isn't retiring.
According to a source close to the matter, Wintour will continue to hold her titles as Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director for Vogue. Instead of an editor-in-chief replacing her at American Vogue, a newly created position, “Head of Editorial Content,” will take over the daily responsibilities. This move is part of Condé Nast’s broader editorial restructuring strategy that began four years ago, aimed at unifying global operations across its many brands.
The new editorial lead at Vogue will report directly to Wintour, who remains deeply involved in setting the creative direction for the brand worldwide.
A New Chapter—But Not a Farewell
The announcement came during a meeting with Vogue staff on Thursday morning and quickly dominated fashion headlines. While initial reports framed the decision as Wintour “stepping down,” insiders clarify that this is more of a strategic evolution than an exit.
As Chief Content Officer, Wintour will continue to oversee all Condé Nast publications globally—ranging from Vanity Fair, Wired, GQ, and Bon Appétit, to international titles like Tatler, Allure, AD, and Condé Nast Traveler. The only major brand under the Condé Nast umbrella that falls outside her purview remains The New Yorker.
Met Gala, Global Titles, and a Lasting Legacy
Wintour also remains the driving force behind the annual Met Gala—fashion’s biggest fundraising event benefiting the Costume Institute at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her involvement in global fashion diplomacy and cultural influence will only intensify as she shifts her focus to international and strategic roles within the company.
The new role at American Vogue fits into a larger editorial model now used across other global editions, where local leaders work under a centralized global editorial structure. This model has already been rolled out successfully in markets like the UK, France, and Italy.
A Reign That Changed Fashion Forever
Wintour’s impact on Vogue is impossible to overstate. Starting as Creative Director in 1983, she took over British Vogue as editor-in-chief in 1985 before taking the helm of American Vogue in 1987. Over nearly four decades, she transformed the magazine into a cultural institution.
She was a pioneer in bringing celebrity culture to fashion covers—long before it became the norm—featuring stars like Madonna, Beyoncé, and Rihanna in high fashion editorials. Wintour also championed then-up-and-coming designers like Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano, helping them become global fashion icons.
Perhaps most importantly, Wintour made Vogue more accessible by blending elite couture with affordable street style and emphasizing diversity and innovation in fashion.
What Comes Next?
While Wintour is stepping aside from American Vogue’s daily grind, her influence remains as potent as ever. She will continue to shape fashion media on a global scale and push boundaries in how style, culture, and creativity intersect in Condé Nast’s digital and print platforms.
For Vogue, a new era begins—one that balances tradition with transformation. But with Anna Wintour still calling the shots behind the scenes, it’s safe to say the brand’s legacy remains in iconic hands.
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