WINTOUR’S LEGACY! After 37 years at the helm of US Vogue, Anna Wintour passes the torch, but her influence on fashion will be felt for generations to come

Anna Wintour Steps Down as US Vogue Editor After 37 Iconic Years

After nearly four decades at the helm of US Vogue, Anna Wintour—the undisputed queen of fashion—has stepped down from her role as editor-in-chief. The announcement, made Thursday, marks the end of an era during which Wintour’s vision and iron will transformed Vogue into the global fashion authority it is today.

At 75, Wintour remains a towering figure in the industry. Her signature bob and ever-present sunglasses have become as legendary as her ability to spot trends, make or break designers, and define the very essence of style. Under her leadership, Vogue’s covers became the ultimate statement in contemporary fashion, and her meticulous control over the magazine’s glossy pages set a gold standard for editorial excellence.

Despite stepping back from day-to-day editorial duties, Wintour isn’t retiring. Condé Nast, Vogue’s parent company, quickly dispelled any rumors of her departure from the fashion world. She will continue to serve in senior roles, including as Vogue’s global editorial director and chief content officer for Condé Nast, overseeing a portfolio that includes Wired, Vanity Fair, GQ, Condé Nast Traveler, and Glamour.

Wintour’s influence extends far beyond the pages of a magazine. She inspired the infamous character Miranda Priestly in the best-selling novel and hit film “The Devil Wears Prada,” a role that earned Meryl Streep an Oscar nomination. Yet, those who have worked with her describe a leader whose steely ambition is matched by a deep passion for creativity and talent.

Her reign began in 1988, when she took over a staid and traditional Vogue and transformed it into a glamorous, trendsetting powerhouse. With her at the helm, Vogue became a global stage for models, designers, and celebrities, and the magazine’s budgets soared on the back of lavish advertising and loyal subscribers.

Wintour’s legacy also includes her stewardship of the Met Gala, fashion’s most extravagant night, where A-list stars from film, politics, sports, and fashion gather in dazzling couture. She is a devoted tennis fan, a fixture at Grand Slam finals, and a major supporter of Democratic politicians, including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. In recognition of her contributions, President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the US.

Even as she steps away from the editor’s desk, Wintour’s presence will continue to shape the fashion world. She told staff at a meeting in New York that this was a “pivotal decision,” but reassured them she would not be vacating her office. “I’ll be turning all my attention to global leadership and working with our team of brilliant editors around the world,” she said.

Anna Wintour’s impact is indelible. As the fashion world turns the page, her influence remains woven into its very fabric—timeless, iconic, and unforgettable.