Anna Wintour Steps Down: A New Era for Vogue

The Transition of Power at Vogue

In June, Anna Wintour announced her intention to step down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue. On September 2nd, she officially handed over her responsibilities to Cloe Malle, the new head of editorial content. Despite stepping down, Ms. Wintour will continue to serve as Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of Vogue.

Anna Wintour, Vogue

The glamorous magazine that millions aspire to work for exists today due to Ms. Wintour's vision and leadership over the past 37 years. It is unlikely that anyone will replace her legacy. In November 1988, American Vogue made headlines with a groundbreaking cover that continues to influence the fashion industry. Instead of featuring supermodels, it showcased a lesser-known model wearing a high-end Christian Lacroix sweater paired with $50 Guess jeans. This marked a new era for Vogue and the beginning of Ms. Wintour's empire.

Iconic Moments in Vogue's History

Another significant change that Ms. Wintour implemented was featuring Madonna on the cover of American Vogue. In May 1989, she introduced the first celebrity cover, signaling the end of the supermodel era. Madonna was the fashion icon of the early 80s, and Ms. Wintour recognized her influence on the fashion world, particularly on Vogue. These changes made Vogue more relevant to younger audiences, who began to draw fashion inspiration from it more than ever. Under Ms. Wintour's direction, Vogue became the leading magazine in the industry.

As much as Ms. Wintour developed the powerhouse that is Vogue, the magazine now requires a fresh perspective to thrive in today's digital landscape. Unlike previous decades, print magazine sales have significantly declined due to the rise of social media. According to Back Row, American Vogue's monthly sales plummeted to 45,620 copies in 2021, a staggering 90% decline from 434,838 copies in the 2000s. A report from The New York Times in 2000 noted that American Vogue's sales had increased by 32% compared to $21.9 million in 1999. This gap presents a challenge that Vogue must address with a leader who possesses expertise in digital business.

Cloe Malle's Vision for Vogue

Cloe Malle has spent 17 years at Vogue, making significant contributions to the magazine. Since becoming the editor of Vogue.com in 2023, direct traffic has doubled. Unique views, time spent, and content output in Vogue's Wedding section have increased by 30%. Malle also introduced the Dogue, an editor-led newsletter, and the Vogue Vintage Guide. While she has emerged as a significant influence behind the scenes, it remains to be seen how much control she will have over the magazine under Ms. Wintour's continued leadership.

To restore Vogue's former success, Cloe Malle must continue to push boundaries and carve her own path. The magazine needs to embrace new changes to regain its past prominence. If Ms. Malle fully embraces her role as editor, a shift in approach is likely. This shift may differ from the idealized perception that Ms. Wintour cultivated during her tenure.

The Future of Vogue in a Digital Age

The transition from print to digital is not just a trend; it is a necessity. Vogue must adapt to the changing landscape of media consumption. The rise of social media has transformed how audiences engage with fashion content. Brands and individuals seeking creative direction and photography must recognize this shift.

Vogue's ability to remain relevant hinges on its willingness to innovate. The magazine must explore new formats and platforms to connect with its audience. This includes leveraging social media, creating engaging digital content, and collaborating with influencers. By doing so, Vogue can attract a new generation of readers while retaining its core audience.

Conclusion

The departure of Anna Wintour marks a significant moment in Vogue's history. Her legacy is undeniable, but the future of the magazine now rests in the hands of Cloe Malle. As she steps into her new role, the challenge will be to navigate the complexities of a digital-first world. With a focus on innovation and a fresh perspective, Malle has the potential to lead Vogue into a new era of creativity and relevance.

Work Cited

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Jessica. “Anna Wintour Cedes Vogue Editor in Chief Title but Will Retain Editorial Control.” The New York Times, 26 June 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/business/media/anna-wintour-vogue-conde-nast.html.

Odell, Amy. “Opinion | Anna Wintour Steps down as Editor in Chief of Vogue.” The New York Times, 29 June 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/06/29/opinion/anna-wintour-vogue.html?searchResultPosition=1.

Faguy, Ana. Chloe Malle to Become Top Editor at American Vogue after Anna Wintour Steps Aside. 2 Sept. 2025, www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0l6lw6je7lo.

Vogue. “Chloe Malle Announced as Vogue US’s New Head of Editorial Content.” Vogue, 2 Sept. 2025, www.vogue.com/article/chloe-malle-announced-as-vogue-us-new-head-of-editorial-content.

Odell, Amy. “How Long Can Legacy Fashion Magazines Survive?” Substack.com, Back Row, 18 Nov. 2022, amyodell.substack.com/p/how-long-can-legacy-fashion-magazines.

Kuczynski, Alex. “A Little Light Reading, Anyone?; When Weighty Issues Are the Magazines Themselves.” The New York Times, 11 Apr. 2000, www.nytimes.com/2000/04/11/business/a-little-light-reading-anyone-when-weighty-issues-are-the-magazines-themselves.html.