Anna Wintour, the iconic editor who shaped American Vogue since 1988, has announced she is stepping down from her role at the company. Her departure was confirmed during a staff meeting on June 25, and marks the end of a groundbreaking 37-year run that saw Vogue transform into a global cultural authority.
Wintour isn’t leaving the industry, she’ll continue as Condé Nast’s global chief content officer and editorial director, overseeing Vogue’s international editions alongside titles like Vanity Fair and GQ. But her exit from day-to-day oversight of American Vogue signals a major shift for the brand she built through celebrity covers, Met Gala dominance, and support of emerging designers.
She began her career at Vogue as creative director in the early 1980s before taking charge of American Vogue in 1988. Over nearly four decades, Wintour guided the magazine through major cultural shifts, setting the standard for both high fashion and social relevance. Her leadership helped elevate Vogue beyond fashion into conversations about politics, representation, and activism.
As Condé Nast begins the search for her successor, the new lead editor will inherit a prestigious yet evolving title, one shaped by Wintour’s uncompromising vision and global influence.
