Who might replace Anna Wintour as Vogue editor?

Anna Wintour resigns from her position as the leading editor at Vogue after many years influencing the fashion industry

When Anna Wintour presented her initial edition of American Vogue at the end of 1988, the reaction from the magazine’s printer was surprising: “Was there an error?” The cover, showcasing model Michaela Bercu in a Christian Lacroix couture jacket combined with denim jeans, was a departure from the meticulously styled, formal portraits that had characterized the magazine for many years. The photograph was relaxed, taken outside, and embodied a spontaneous spirit that would represent a fresh era for Vogue.

That moment set the tone for Wintour’s vision—one that would reshape not only the magazine, but the fashion industry itself. She brought a sense of realism and accessibility to a publication once steeped in high glamour. The decision to feature a model in denim, albeit unintentionally due to a wardrobe mishap, marked a cultural shift. It signaled that fashion could belong on the street, not just on the runway.

Having made a name for herself at British Vogue, Wintour was brought in to revitalize the American edition, and over the next 37 years, she did just that. Under her leadership, the magazine moved with confidence through the supermodel era, the rise of grunge, the dominance of celebrity culture, and the evolution toward digital-first storytelling. Throughout, Wintour maintained an acute awareness of what fashion meant to culture at large—and how it could influence more than clothing.

This week, Wintour announced she would be stepping down as editor-in-chief of Vogue, marking the end of one of the most influential editorial tenures in fashion history. While she will continue in her role as chief content officer at Condé Nast—a position she has held since 2020—her departure from the magazine’s editorial helm closes a significant chapter.

Wintour’s legacy at Vogue extends far beyond magazine pages. She redefined what belonged on a fashion cover, notably introducing celebrity faces to a space previously reserved for models. Within her first year, she placed Madonna on the cover—an unconventional move that sparked a new era of fashion-meets-pop-culture synergy. It was the beginning of a transformation that would eventually see reality stars, politicians, and cultural figures appear on the magazine’s covers.

During her tenure at Vogue, Wintour consistently tuned into public interests, aligning the magazine’s tone with larger changes in media and consumer habits. Her editorial choices frequently impacted the real world. For example, she was one of the pioneers in introducing personalities such as Kim Kardashian and Ivanka Trump to the mainstream fashion dialogue, providing them a stage that greatly increased their prominence.

This editorial power wasn’t without criticism. Wintour’s decisions sometimes sparked backlash, such as the controversial 2008 cover featuring LeBron James and Gisele Bündchen, which prompted debate over racial imagery and representation. Yet, such moments only further cemented the reality that Wintour had become a central figure in the dialogue around fashion and power.

Her personal style—marked by a sleek bob and signature sunglasses—became as recognizable as her professional brand. Wintour’s presence at the Met Gala, the September issue’s iconic status, and the countless references to her persona in pop culture (including the fictional Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada) all reinforced her reputation as a cultural tastemaker.

Although she projected a mysterious aura regarding her public persona, Wintour often downplayed the attention on herself. She prioritized the innovation and editorial guidance of the publications she handled rather than individual opinions. However, her influence was clear, and she was aware of it, often attending events like the The Devil Wears Prada musical celebration, acknowledging the similarities without overtly confirming them.

During her professional journey, Wintour successfully maintained influence in an ever-changing sector. Her skill in staying significant amid major media transformations—from printed glossies to digital formats—demonstrates her flexibility and insightful planning. She understood early the significance of having an online footprint, even while conventional print media faced challenges retaining its readership. While some critics argued there was too much focus on celebrity content in the era of digital media, Wintour argued that these decisions were essential to stay culturally significant.

Former colleagues and fashion insiders suggest that Wintour’s decision to step back was likely her own. As chief content officer, she still holds sway over Vogue and other major Condé Nast titles, and will reportedly have a say in choosing her successor. The speculation surrounding that choice is already building.

Potential candidates include Eva Chen, director of fashion partnerships at Instagram, who brings a wealth of digital experience to the table—a crucial asset in today’s media landscape. Also frequently mentioned is Chioma Nnadi, currently overseeing editorial content at British Vogue, and widely viewed as one of Wintour’s protégés. Her rise within the organization has been watched closely, and she represents a potential continuation of Wintour’s legacy with a new generational lens.

Other people mentioned include Amy Astley, who used to be in charge of Teen Vogue and currently leads Architectural Digest, as well as senior editors like Chloe Schama and Chloe Malle. Furthermore, Wintour’s daughter, Bee Shaffer Carrozzini, involved in film production within the fashion realm, has also been part of the discussions—though such forecasts are entirely conjectural.

As Wintour moves on from the publication she helped transform into an international leader, people in the industry are now weighing her impact. The fashion world has evolved significantly during her time—not just in terms of style, but also regarding its role in cultural and political discussions. Topics such as sustainability, fair labor practices, and digital inclusion have turned fashion from a specialized interest into a wider dialogue about identity, principles, and societal evolution.

Wintour, often seen as the gatekeeper of fashion’s inner circle, helped open those gates—though not without maintaining a firm grip on the standards of taste and innovation that Vogue became known for. Her ability to merge exclusivity with mass appeal, and high fashion with everyday relevance, is perhaps her greatest legacy.

As the sector considers the future, the task for the person following in her footsteps will be to keep managing an ever-changing environment. Juggling the business demands of contemporary media with the cultural duties now associated with fashion won’t be simple. However, Wintour has already contributed to paving this path.

In various respects, her attendance at the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez earlier this year highlighted her distinct cultural status. Featuring Sánchez on the cover in 2023, Wintour was not just a guest at the occasion—she had contributed to framing the story surrounding it.

For all her accomplishments in the editorial world, Wintour’s most significant impact may be the manner in which she broadened the significance of fashion beyond its conventional limits. She not only captured trends—she shaped them, foresaw them, and, in numerous instances, originated them.

As Anna Wintour steps down from her position as editor-in-chief, Vogue and the larger fashion industry find themselves in a phase of contemplation and change. Her exit signifies more than just the closure of an era—it’s an opportunity to ponder the future direction for a magazine and an industry that she significantly shaped.