Anna Wintour
That’s one step for Anna, and a giant step for the fashion industry.
After almost four decades of work, Anna Wintour has recently stepped down from her role as the Editor-In-Chief for Vogue. She has set her sights on becoming the Global Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Officer for Vogue.
Why the change, you may ask?
Wintour has decided to dedicate more time to overseeing the global structures at Condé Nast, the company with whom she has worked with for the past thirty-seven years, and supporting their international endeavors. There are no plans in place for retirement, but she is looking for someone to fill her shoes in her previous position. This role will be titled, “Head of Editorial Content”.
Yes, those are some pretty big shoes to fill.
Powerful Contributions
Wintour’s experience with fashion journalism began in the UK during 1970, when she was hired as the editorial assistant for Harper Bazaar and Queen’s merged dynasty, Harper and Queens. After discovering models and forming connections, she then moved to Manhattan, New York where her role transitioned to a junior fashion editor in 1975. Fast forward a few years to 1983, her position with Condé Nast as a creative director set off a longstanding career for her.
She began an editorship for UK Vogue in 1985, and implemented American methods into the magazines.
“There’s a new kind of woman out there. She’s interested in business and money. She doesn’t have time to shop anymore. She wants to know what and why and where and how.” - Anna Wintour, The Evening Standard
As the Editor-In-Chief for Elle magazine, Wintour released her first issue in November of 1988. The cover featured Michaela Bercu, a 19-year old model who was pregnant at the time, wearing a Christian Lacroix bejeweled sweatshirt that was worth $10,000 paired with Levi jeans that was worth $50.
Vogue, November 1988, Peter Lindbergh
This was the first time a Vogue cover model had ever worn jeans on the cover of a magazine. Ever.
Wintour had simply opted for the jeans for Bercu’s comfort during her pregnancy, rather than a skirt.
This simple decision that she made sparked a movement in the fashion world. The realism that Anna had created brought a fresh sense of balance and depth to what the Vogue covers were displaying back then, let alone fashion magazines in general.
While the publishers thought that the cover was a mistake, Wintour even went on to say that it was her favorite cover.
This simple decision was a natural defiance in all of its beauty. It is so inspirational and iconic, and historical for women worldwide. It is almost as if Wintour is saying “Come as you are.” And that is your fashion for today. Or everyday.
Vogue, June 1989,
All to Say
During her reign as the Editor-In-Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour not only made history in her relentless rise, but she made it clear to everyone that she will be remembered for shaping the epitomized Vogue into a trademark name, and her noble approach to abstaining from societal norms.
Anna Wintour, thank you for your contributions to the fashion world. We appreciate you!
Fad Monet, xxx