After 37 Years, Anna Wintour Steps Down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue

In a monumental shift for the fashion world, Dame Anna Wintour has stepped down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue after an influential 37-year tenure. Her departure marks the end of an era that redefined fashion journalism, celebrity culture, and editorial leadership on a global scale.

Wintour, who assumed the role in 1988, announced her decision internally at Condé Nast earlier this week. While she is stepping back from her U.S.-specific role, she will continue to serve as Vogue’s Global Editorial Director and Condé Nast’s Chief Content Officer — positions that will keep her at the forefront of the brand’s global strategy.

To adapt to this leadership transition, a new Head of Editorial Content will be appointed to oversee American Vogue operations. This move aligns with the editorial structure of other Vogue editions around the world, bringing the U.S. team under a similar model.

During her time at the helm, Wintour transformed Vogue from a fashion magazine into a global cultural force. Her bold vision was apparent from her very first cover in November 1988, which featured model Michaela Bercu in a bejeweled T-shirt and jeans — a look that broke away from the magazine’s traditionally polished aesthetic. Over the decades, she introduced celebrity covers, elevated emerging designers, and used her influence to shape conversations around politics, diversity, and social change.

Wintour also became a central figure in popular culture, inspiring the fictional character Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, a portrayal that highlighted her exacting standards and signature persona: a sharp bob haircut, oversized sunglasses, and unmatched command of the fashion world.

Perhaps one of her most defining contributions is her long-standing stewardship of the Met Gala, which she turned into the most important annual event on the global fashion calendar. Her strategic leadership helped the industry navigate the transition from print to digital and positioned Vogue as a leader in the digital media space.

While the announcement signals a major change in editorial leadership, Wintour’s continued presence in global roles ensures that her influence will remain deeply embedded in the future of the brand.

Industry insiders have responded to the news with a mix of nostalgia and respect. Many hail her tenure as transformative, noting that her eye for talent and trendsetting instincts helped shape the careers of designers, models, and photographers around the world.

As Condé Nast begins the search for a new editorial head for American Vogue, all eyes are on what the next chapter holds — both for the magazine and for Wintour herself. One thing remains clear: her legacy is firmly stitched into the fabric of fashion history.