Anna Wintour’s New Chapter: Stepping Back From Vogue After Nearly Four Decades

A Historic Transition in Fashion Leadership

Anna Wintour stepped down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue after 37 years, marking the end of an era in fashion journalism. Wintour announced to staffers in June that Vogue would begin the search for a new head of editorial content, whilst she remains Condé Nast’s chief content officer as well as global editorial director at Vogue. This transition represents a significant shift in the fashion world, as Wintour has been synonymous with Vogue since taking the helm in 1988.

Presidential Recognition and Continued Influence

Before her editorial transition, Wintour was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 2025, one of America’s highest civilian honours. Despite stepping back from daily operations at Vogue US, the 76-year-old fashion icon continues to wield considerable influence. As chief content officer of Condé Nast, Wintour oversees all of the company’s brands globally — including Wired, Vanity Fair, GQ, AD, Condé Nast Traveler, Glamour, Bon Appétit, Tatler, The World of Interiors, and Allure.

Major Events and Industry Impact

In 2025, Wintour remained at the forefront of fashion’s biggest moments. She organised the Met Gala in May, which featured the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” spotlighting Black designers, Black identity and the transformative power of fashion. Later, Anna Wintour and her Condé Nast comrades brought their Vogue World franchise to Hollywood after previous iterations in New York, London and Paris.

Looking to the Future

Wintour’s decision to appoint a successor for Vogue US demonstrates strategic planning for the publication’s future. A new editorial leader at US Vogue is expected to give Wintour the ability to devote more time to the magazine’s global output, in addition to leading other Condé Nast titles. This move ensures her lasting impact on the fashion industry whilst allowing fresh perspectives to shape American Vogue’s next chapter. For readers and fashion enthusiasts, Wintour’s legacy of innovation, cultural influence, and unwavering standards will continue to define the industry for years to come.