Anna Wintour stepping back from Vogue editor-in-chief role after 37 years

Dame Anna Wintour made the announcement to staff that US Vogue would be hiring a new editor giving her more time to focus on Condé Nast’s other titles. ITV News’ Ian Woods reports

After 37 years as US Vogue editor-in-chief, Dame Anna Wintour is seeking a new head of the iconic fashion magazine, as she looks to free up time to focus on more of Condé Nast’s publications.

Wintour will retain her roles as chief content officer for Condé Nast and global editorial director of Vogue, to whom the new head of editorial content will report.

It is understood the company will be replacing Wintour’s editor-in-chief role with the new head of editorial content role, moving US Vogue in line with other global editions of the magazine which have similar structures.

Anna Wintour is rarely seen without her sunglasses at public events. / Credit: AP

As chief content officer, Wintour will continue to oversee every Condé Nast brand globally, including American Vogue, Wired, Vanity Fair, GQ, AD, Condé Nast Traveler, Glamour, Bon Appétit, Tatler, World of Interiors, Allure and more, with the exception of The New Yorker.

Four years ago, the company changed its editorial structure, bringing together the editorial teams around the world for the first time.

Every market where Condé Nast operates has a head of editorial content led by a global editorial director. The new role at American Vogue is part of that reorganization. The new structure has already been rolled out at other Vogue titles around the world.

Whilst not quite a retirement announcement, the new opening signals a seismic shift for the fashion magazine as well as a coveted opening at the industry’s most influential publication for aspiring fashion editors.

Two years ago, Chioma Nnadi became the first Black woman to lead British Vogue as she succeeded Edward Enninful’s own history-making six-year run as the magazine’s first Black editor-in-chief.

Anna Wintour is thought to be one of the most influential women in publishing. / Credit: AP

Wintour transformed Vogue during her decades at the magazine. She was named creative director in 1983, served as editor-in-chief of British Vogue from 1985 to 1987 then rejoined the American title as editor-in-chief.

She modernised the magazine by featuring celebrities on its covers and mixing high fashion with more affordable street style.

She championed emerging designers, including Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, and broadened the brand’s reach by adding new titles around the world.

Wintour also oversees the annual Met Gala, fashion’s biggest night and a major fundraiser for the fashion wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

She is also thought to have inspired the book, turned film, turned musical – “The Devil Wears Prada,” which was written by her former assistant.

Wintour previously played down similarities between herself and the titular character, saying it was up to audiences to draw their own conclusions.

Despite this, Wintour attended the film’s premiere wearing Prada herself.