In a move that has stunned the fashion industry, the iconic Anna Wintour is making a major shift.
After decades of being the face and force behind American Vogue, Wintour has announced she’s stepping down from her position as the head of editorial content.
Yes, that Anna Wintour—the sunglasses, the bob, the Met Gala queen. It’s truly the end of an era.
Making Room for New Leadership
During a staff meeting on Thursday, the 75-year-old fashion powerhouse shared the news that she will begin the search for someone new to lead editorial operations at American Vogue.
This doesn’t mean she’s leaving the building completely—Wintour will still maintain her global roles at Condé Nast.
That includes her positions as global chief content officer and global editorial director for Vogue, giving her continued influence across all of the company’s top publications.
Still Queen of the Condé Nast Empire
Even though she’s shifting away from Vogue’s American leadership, Wintour’s power in the media world is far from fading.
She’s still overseeing a powerhouse portfolio that includes Wired, Vanity Fair, GQ, Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Traveler, Glamour, Bon Appétit, Tatler, World of Interiors, and Allure.
Her reach across the editorial world remains massive and unmatched.
From London Roots to American Vogue Royalty
Wintour’s rise to fashion royalty began back in the ’80s. She first joined American Vogue as creative director in 1983.
Not long after, she went back to her native UK to take the reins at British Vogue as editor-in-chief from 1985 to 1987.
Her return to American Vogue in 1988 marked the beginning of a fashion revolution—one that would see her shape not just the magazine, but the entire fashion industry.
The Met Gala Makeover and Her Legacy
If you’ve ever admired the glitz and glamour of the Met Gala, you’ve got Wintour to thank.
Under her leadership, the annual museum fundraiser transformed into fashion’s biggest night out.
She personally selects the guest list, curates the red carpet vibe, and always makes sure to greet her A-list invitees herself.
Her covers have featured some of the world’s most iconic figures—from Oprah and Madonna to the supermodels of the ’90s.
The Industry Reacts: “End of an Era”
It didn’t take long for fans and fashion insiders to flood social media with reactions.
On X (formerly Twitter), many expressed shock and sadness, calling it a “historic” moment and mourning what they describe as the “end of an era.”
After all, Wintour has been synonymous with Vogue for so long, it’s hard to imagine the brand without her signature presence.
Controversial Decisions and Recent Criticism
Still, her reign hasn’t been without turbulence.
One of her latest moves—appointing Mark Guiducci, a close friend of her daughter Bee Shaffer, as the new head of Vanity Fair—raised serious eyebrows.
Insiders at the magazine were reportedly upset and blindsided, arguing that Guiducci, 36, wasn’t the most qualified pick after a high-profile search for a new editor.
Met Gala Woes and PR Backlash
Even the Met Gala, one of Wintour’s proudest creations, hasn’t been immune to criticism.
This year’s event was slammed by some critics as dull and uninspired.
A top PR expert even went so far as to suggest Wintour should step away from the gala entirely, warning that the spectacle may be losing its magic under her watch.
So… What Comes Next?
With Wintour stepping aside from Vogue‘s editorial front lines, the big question is: what’s next—for her, and for the magazine she helped define?
Finding someone to fill her shoes won’t be easy.
Her legacy is vast, complicated, and deeply woven into the very fabric of modern fashion.
Whether this is a soft goodbye or simply a strategic pivot, one thing is clear: fashion won’t be the same without her at the helm of American Vogue.