On June 26, 2025, Anna Wintour, one of the most powerful figures in the fashion industry, announced that she would step down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue after 37 years in the role. This change marked a major turning point in the fashion industry.

Vogue is not just a magazine, it is a cultural icon that shapes global fashion trends. Anna Wintour is not leaving Vogue entirely but is moving to the role of global editorial director of Vogue and global chief content officer of Cond&eacute; Nast, the parent company of publications such as Vanity Fair, GQ, and Cond&eacute; Nast Traveler. However, the change in leadership at US Vogue, which has relied on Wintour&rsquo;s guidance, will have major implications for the fashion market in the US and globally.

<h4>Anna Wintour and her influence on the fashion industry</h4>

Born in London in 1949, Wintour was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2017 for her contributions to fashion and journalism. Since taking over as editor-in-chief of American Vogue in 1988, Anna Wintour, now 75, has transformed the magazine into a force that shapes not only fashion but also pop culture. Wintour revolutionized Vogue by making it more youthful and accessible, putting celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian on its covers, rather than just supermodels. Her first issue in November 1988, featuring model Michaela Bercu wearing a $10,000 Christian Lacroix sweater paired with $50 Guess jeans, broke the traditional rules of high fashion, marking the beginning of the trend of mixing mass market and luxury.

In addition to shaping Vogue's content, Wintour has expanded her influence through initiatives such as the Met Gala, the annual event she began co-chairing in 1995. She transformed the Met Gala from a secretive fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute into one of the world's most visible red-carpet events, often compared to the Oscars of the fashion industry.

Wintour also launched the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2003, providing financial support and business advice to talented designers such as Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, and Zac Posen, helping them build their careers. Her influence extends beyond the fashion industry, with her work as an advisor to CEOs, politicians and Hollywood stars, cementing her position as a cultural gatekeeper.

<h4 role="document" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block is-selected wp-block-heading rich-text" id="block-1ee6974f-2822-4fe4-b4b0-277d83233d34" aria-label="Block: Heading" data-block="1ee6974f-2822-4fe4-b4b0-277d83233d34" data-type="core/heading" data-title="Heading" contenteditable="true" data-wp-block-attribute-key="content"> Anna Wintour leaves US Vogue and its impact on the US fashion market</h4>

Wintour’s departure as editor-in-chief of US Vogue, while only a step back to focus on a global role, will create significant changes in the US fashion market. US Vogue, with a print readership of 12 million and an online readership of 1.2 million each month, has long been a cultural landmark, shaping how American consumers approach fashion.  Under Wintour’s leadership, the magazine has not only reflected trends but created them, from incorporating streetwear into fashion publications to using celebrities to enhance commercial appeal. Her departure, even as she remains global editorial director, marks the end of an era, leaving a cultural void that will be hard to fill. Wintour’s dedication, vision and leadership will be hard to replace.  One of the immediate impacts has been a change in the editorial direction of American Vogue. Wintour has announced that a new position, “head of editorial content,” will be created to oversee the magazine’s day-to-day operations, reporting directly to her. Competition for the role is expected to be fierce, with names like Edward Enninful and Chioma Nnadi mentioned as potential candidates, both of whom bring a more modern and holistic perspective to fashion.  The successor will face pressure to maintain Vogue’s credibility while adapting content to appeal to Gen Z, who prioritize sustainability, diversity and authenticity. This leadership change could result in a shift in the tone and style of American Vogue, affecting how American brands position their products in the marketplace.  The US fashion market could also see a shift in how young designers are supported. Wintour has used her clout to champion new talent, such as financing the Paris house of John Galliano and placing Thom Browne’s collection in 90 Brooks Brothers stores. The CFDA/Vogue Foundation she founded has become an important launching pad for American designers. However, as Wintour focuses on global roles, her direct support for American designers could decline, forcing them to seek recognition from other platforms, such as fashion influencers or independent magazines. This could reduce the influence of US Vogue in shaping new talent, especially as digital and social media become more dominant.

Moreover, the American fashion industry is facing bigger challenges, such as the decline of print advertising and the shift to online platforms. Valerie Steele, director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, said that magazines like Vogue are losing their traditional authority as content moves online and the rise of fashion influencers with large followings.

Wintour has successfully maintained Vogue&rsquo;s sales with iconic covers, like the 2014 issue featuring Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, which broke retail sales records. But her successor will face pressure to modernize US Vogue to compete with platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, where fashion brands are increasingly investing in content marketing.

<h4>Impact on global fashion business</h4>

On a global scale, Wintour&rsquo;s role change will have far-reaching implications, especially as she continues to oversee all Vogue publications and Cond&eacute; Nast brands (except The New Yorker) as global chief content officer. Her new role will allow her to shape Vogue&rsquo;s editorial strategy around the world, from the UK, France and Italy to Japan, China and the Middle East. However, her departure from day-to-day operations at US Vogue could reduce her direct influence over the US market, opening up opportunities for other international markets to shape the global fashion narrative.

Wintour has defined the concept of &ldquo;soft power&rdquo; in fashion, using Vogue&rsquo;s power to not only reflect but shape culture. She has been a pioneer in putting stars outside of fashion, such as LeBron James and Kanye, on the cover, expanding Vogue&rsquo;s appeal into pop culture, politics and sports. A change in leadership at US Vogue could lead to a shift in how global brands approach Vogue to promote their products. European luxury brands, such as LVMH and Kering, often rely on Wintour for advice on designer appointments. Given her global role, that influence could become more pervasive, but it could also be diluted without her direct control of US Vogue.

The Met Gala, one of Wintour’s biggest legacies, could face changes. The event has become a global platform, attracting international media attention and generating billions of views through related video content. Wintour has pledged to continue overseeing the Met Gala, but her focus on global responsibilities could lead to changes in how the event is organized or in the guest list, which she tightly controls. This could impact the Met Gala’s commercial appeal for luxury brands looking to leverage the event for promotion.  The global fashion industry is also shifting toward new values, such as sustainability and diversity, which Wintour has been criticized for. Her long-running spat with animal rights group PETA over Vogue’s use of fur is one example. Her successor at US Vogue may have to adapt to modern expectations around sustainability and diversity, especially as markets like China and India, where Vogue has local editions, increasingly demand content that is culturally relevant.

<h4 role="document" aria-multiline="true" class="block-editor-rich-text__editable block-editor-block-list__block wp-block is-selected wp-block-heading rich-text" id="block-684d6eee-af80-4540-9134-5c66221aa17b" aria-label="Block: Heading" data-block="684d6eee-af80-4540-9134-5c66221aa17b" data-type="core/heading" data-title="Heading" contenteditable="true" data-wp-block-attribute-key="content"> A new era of American Vogue</h4>

Anna Wintour&#39;s departure from her 37-year tenure as editor-in-chief of American Vogue marks the end of an era, but not the end of her influence on the fashion industry. As Vogue&#39;s global editorial director and Condé Nast&#39;s chief content officer, Wintour will continue to shape the fashion industry from a broader perspective.  However, the US fashion market may see a shift in the way Vogue shapes trends and supports young designers, while the global fashion industry will continue to be influenced by her strategic vision. For brand owners, entrepreneurs and marketers, this is a time to seize the opportunity of potential innovation at US Vogue and adapt strategies to compete in a rapidly shifting media landscape. Wintour’s legacy, from the Met Gala to her iconic covers, will continue to resonate, but her successor will face the challenge of reshaping Vogue for a new generation.

Anna Wintour, ‘Queen of Fashion’, Steps Down from American Vogue

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