Anna Wintour Steps Down as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue After 37 Years

Anna Wintour, the iconic leader who redefined American fashion, is stepping down as editor-in-chief of Vogue after an unprecedented 37-year reign.

End of an Era at Vogue

On June 26, 2025, Wintour, 75, announced in a staff meeting that she will relinquish her editorial role at Vogue US, marking a watershed moment in fashion journalism. While she steps back from the editor-in-chief title, she remains firmly in control as Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of Vogue, overseeing all Condé Nast titles including Vanity Fair, GQ, Bon Appétit, and others.

A Shift in Structure

Vogue US is set to appoint a new Head of Editorial Content who will report directly to Wintour. This move brings the American edition in line with the global editorial model already in place across other international editions of Vogue.

A Legacy of Transformation

During her time at the helm, Wintour transformed Vogue from a traditional fashion monthly into a cultural and commercial powerhouse. Highlights from her tenure include:

• Breaking convention with her first cover in 1988 featuring model Michaela Bercu in jeans, signaling a blend of high fashion and everyday style.
  
• Introducing celebrity covers, featuring icons like Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Kanye West.
  
• Championing designers such as Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, and John Galliano, propelling them to international prominence.
  
• Reinventing the Met Gala, turning it into fashion’s most prestigious and globally watched annual event.
  
• Leading Vogue into the digital age and overseeing its global editorial alignment.
  

What’s Next for Wintour and Vogue

Despite stepping down from her longtime editorial post, Wintour made it clear she has no plans to retire. In her remarks to staff, she joked that she plans to remain Vogue’s tennis and theatre editor “in perpetuity.” Going forward, she will focus on global strategy, editorial oversight, and mentoring the next generation of talent at Condé Nast.

Speculation about her successor is already underway, with several names being floated within the fashion and publishing worlds.