What Happened to Anna Wintour?
Anna Wintour, a British-American media executive, stepped down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue in June 2025 after 37 years, transitioning to a more expansive global role. She continues to serve as Global Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director for Vogue, maintaining significant influence over the company's worldwide portfolio and remaining the lead chairperson of the annual Met Gala.
Quick Answer
Anna Wintour is currently the Global Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director for Vogue, roles she assumed in 2020. In June 2025, she stepped down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, a position she held for 37 years, with Chloe Malle named as the new Head of Editorial Content for Vogue US in September 2025. Wintour remains a central figure in the fashion world, continuing her leadership of the Met Gala and overseeing Condé Nast's global content strategy as of April 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in London, England
Anna Wintour was born in Hampstead, London, to Charles Wintour, editor of the Evening Standard, and Eleanor Trego Baker.
Began fashion journalism career
Wintour was hired as one of the first editorial assistants at Harper's & Queen in London, marking the start of her career in fashion journalism.
Appointed Editor of British Vogue
Wintour attained her first editorship, taking over the UK edition of Vogue after Beatrix Miller retired.
Became Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue
Wintour assumed control of American Vogue, reviving the publication and famously featuring a model in jeans and a couture top on her first cover.
Became Lead Chairperson of the Met Gala
Wintour took on the role of lead chairperson for the annual Met Gala, transforming it into one of the most anticipated and influential fashion events globally.
The Devil Wears Prada released
The film 'The Devil Wears Prada,' widely believed to be inspired by Wintour and written by her former assistant Lauren Weisberger, premiered.
Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)
Wintour was advanced to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her contributions to fashion.
Apologized for lack of diversity at Vogue
Wintour issued an internal email apologizing for 'mistakes' made during her tenure, acknowledging that Vogue had not done enough to elevate Black voices.
Promoted to Global Chief Content Officer and Global Editorial Director
Condé Nast promoted Wintour to Global Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast worldwide and Global Editorial Director of Vogue, expanding her influence across all international editions and brands.
Appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH)
Wintour was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in the 2023 Birthday Honours for services to fashion.
Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
U.S. President Joe Biden awarded Anna Wintour the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Stepped down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue
After 37 years, Anna Wintour announced she was stepping down from her role as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, while retaining her global executive positions at Condé Nast.
Chloe Malle named Head of Editorial Content for Vogue US
Chloe Malle, previously editor of Vogue.com, was announced as Wintour's successor for the day-to-day operations of American Vogue, reporting directly to Wintour.
Named Co-Chair for 2026 Met Gala
Anna Wintour was officially announced as a co-chair for the 2026 Met Gala, alongside Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, continuing her central role in the event.
Announced Vogue World: Milan
As Global Editorial Director, Wintour announced that the fifth annual Vogue World event would be held in Milan on September 22, 2026, celebrating craftsmanship and transformation.
Presented Oscar at Academy Awards
Anna Wintour appeared at the 2026 Academy Awards, presenting the Oscar for Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling alongside Anne Hathaway.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Anna Wintour, born in London in 1949, has been an unparalleled force in the fashion and media industries for decades. Her career at Condé Nast culminated in her long tenure as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, a role she held from 1988 until June 2025. During her leadership, Wintour revitalized the magazine, famously putting celebrities on covers and blending high fashion with more accessible pieces, such as a $10,000 jewel-encrusted t-shirt with $50 jeans on her debut cover in 1988.
A significant turning point in her career came in December 2020 when she was promoted to Global Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director for Vogue. This move was part of a broader company restructuring aimed at uniting global editorial teams and centralizing content strategy. This new role expanded her oversight to all 28 international editions of Vogue and other Condé Nast brands, including Wired, Vanity Fair, and GQ.
The most notable recent development occurred in June 2025, when Wintour announced her decision to step down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue. This decision, announced during a staff meeting, marked the end of her 37-year reign over the influential American publication. Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch indicated that this shift would allow Wintour, who turned 76 in November 2025, to dedicate more time to her extensive global responsibilities. In September 2025, Chloe Malle, previously editor of Vogue.com, was named the new Head of Editorial Content for Vogue US, reporting directly to Wintour.
Despite stepping back from the day-to-day editorial leadership of American Vogue, Wintour's influence remains immense. She continues to be the lead chairperson of the annual Met Gala, a high-profile fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, a role she has held since 1995. For the 2026 Met Gala, scheduled for May 4, Wintour was announced as a co-chair alongside Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams. She also played a key role in announcing Vogue World: Milan, set for September 2026, further solidifying her global editorial and strategic leadership.
Throughout her career, Wintour has faced controversies, including accusations of fostering a racist work environment, which led to a public apology in June 2020 for not doing enough to elevate Black voices. Other criticisms have included allegations of elitism, body-shaming, and her stance on fur in fashion. However, her contributions to fashion have been widely recognized, including being appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2017 and a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in 2023. In January 2025, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Joe Biden. As of April 2026, Wintour continues to shape the global fashion and media landscape through her executive roles at Condé Nast and her enduring association with the Met Gala. She also made a public appearance at the 2026 Academy Awards, presenting an Oscar.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Anna Wintour made different choices?