Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of American Vogue, has shocked the fashion world by announcing her departure from the role she’s held since 1988. On June 25, 2025, she informed staff during a meeting that she would step down, sparking widespread speculation about the future of the “fashion bible” and her lasting legacy. At 75, Wintour’s decision marks the end of a 37-year tenure that redefined fashion journalism. While she exits her role as Vogue’s editorial head, she will continue as Condé Nast’s chief content officer and Vogue’s global editorial director, ensuring her influence remains strong. This seismic shift has fashion insiders buzzing about who will fill her iconic shoes and what it means for the industry.
Anna Wintour’s impact on Vogue and the broader fashion world is undeniable. She transformed the magazine into a cultural juggernaut, introducing celebrity covers that set a new standard for the industry. Her vision elevated Vogue beyond a magazine, making it a global arbiter of style. Wintour’s influence extended to the Met Gala, which she began co-chairing in 1995, turning it into a star-studded, thematic fundraiser that captivates millions. She also spearheaded the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2004, nurturing emerging designers like Thom Browne. Her meticulous standards—down to assessing employees’ daily appearances—cemented her reputation as a formidable leader.
Her personal style, defined by her signature bob and dark sunglasses, became as iconic as her editorial decisions. Wintour’s ability to spot trends and shape tastes made her a household name, inspiring books like Amy Odell’s 2022 biography, Anna, and even fictionalized portrayals in films like The Devil Wears Prada. Yet, her departure raises questions about whether anyone can replicate her singular blend of authority and vision.
The announcement came unexpectedly, with Wintour revealing her decision in a staff meeting on June 25, 2025. Sources suggest she aims to focus on her broader roles at Condé Nast, overseeing brands like Vanity Fair, GQ, and Glamour, while balancing her global editorial duties for Vogue. This shift allows her to distribute her attention more evenly across Condé Nast’s portfolio, a necessity given the company’s centralized budget structure in New York. Her decision follows a year of bold moves, including appointing Mark Guiducci as Vanity Fair’s creative director, a choice that stirred controversy due to his ties to Wintour’s daughter, Bee Shaffer.
Speculation abounds about the timing. Some point to the evolving media landscape, where digital platforms challenge print dominance. Others see it as Wintour strategically stepping back while still wielding power behind the scenes. Her continued roles ensure she remains a key player, but the move signals a new chapter for American Vogue.
Key Point Summary:
- Anna Wintour announced her exit as Vogue’s editor-in-chief on June 25, 2025.
- She will remain Condé Nast’s chief content officer and Vogue’s global editorial director.
- Her 37-year tenure transformed Vogue and the fashion industry, notably through celebrity covers and the Met Gala.
- The decision may reflect a shift toward broader oversight amid a changing media landscape.
The Search for Vogue’s Next Leader
With Anna Wintour stepping down, all eyes are on who will take the helm of American Vogue. The role is one of the most coveted in media, demanding a blend of editorial savvy, industry connections, and cultural foresight. Condé Nast has begun the search for a new head of editorial content, but no clear frontrunner has emerged. Insiders suggest Wintour may influence the selection, given her ongoing global role. Names like Wired’s Katie Drummond were floated during recent Condé Nast searches, but no confirmation has surfaced.
The new editor will face immense pressure. Vogue’s influence, while still significant, contends with digital platforms and shifting reader habits. The successor must maintain Wintour’s high standards while adapting to a media world driven by social media and inclusivity demands. Wintour’s ability to balance tradition with innovation set a towering benchmark.
Controversy and Criticism
Wintour’s career hasn’t been without critique. Her recent appointment of Mark Guiducci at Vanity Fair sparked outrage among staff, who labeled him an “unqualified nepo hire” due to his friendship with Bee Shaffer. The decision, announced before her Vogue exit, fueled perceptions of favoritism. Staff felt blindsided, especially after Wintour initially promised an experienced journalist for the role. Her swift departure for a wedding and vacation post-announcement only deepened the discontent.
Additionally, Wintour faced scrutiny over diversity. Despite her advocacy for inclusivity, notably at the 2025 Met Gala honoring Black creatives, critics argue fashion under her watch has been slow to embrace real change. Her response has been to acknowledge blind spots while pushing for progress, but the industry still grapples with systemic issues.
Anna Wintour’s Broader Influence
Beyond Vogue, Anna Wintour’s fingerprints are on the cultural zeitgeist. The 2025 Met Gala, themed around Black style and menswear tailoring, was a testament to her ability to weave social commentary into fashion. Co-chaired with figures like A$AP Rocky and Pharrell Williams, the event drew praise for its emotional depth, though some attendees flouted her no-social-media rule. Wintour’s dress, a custom Louis Vuitton with a controversial red stain, sparked online buzz, with fans joking about the intern who might face her wrath.
Her political ties also made headlines. In May 2025, Wintour visited the White House to discuss fashion tariffs, navigating tensions with Melania Trump, who felt snubbed by Vogue’s cover decisions during Trump’s first term. Wintour’s Democratic leanings and her 2021 Presidential Medal of Freedom from Biden underscored her influence beyond fashion.
What’s Next for Anna Wintour?
As Anna Wintour transitions to her global roles, her focus will likely shift to steering Condé Nast’s strategy. Her knack for building systems—evident in her meticulous standards and industry connections—ensures she’ll remain a power broker. She may prioritize mentoring new talent, as seen with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, or double down on digital innovation to keep Vogue relevant. Her backyard pergola, a 2025 design trend, even reflects her forward-thinking taste in blending style with function.
The fashion world awaits her next move. Will she redefine Condé Nast’s global presence? Could she take on new cultural projects? Her history of betting on her vision—like resigning from Harper’s Bazaar to pursue Vogue—suggests she’s far from done shaping the industry.
The End of an Era
Anna Wintour’s departure from Vogue’s editorial helm closes a chapter that defined modern fashion journalism. Her ability to turn a magazine into a cultural force, while navigating controversies and industry shifts, cements her as a singular figure. As Vogue searches for its next leader, Wintour’s shadow looms large. Her continued influence at Condé Nast ensures she’ll shape the future, even if from a different perch. The question isn’t just who will replace her, but how they’ll carry forward her legacy in a rapidly changing world.
Stay updated on Anna Wintour’s next chapter and Vogue’s new direction by following fashion news outlets and industry insiders on social media.