Vogue: The End of an Era – and the Dawn of a New Chapter
The world of fashion has stunned the globe—and not in the way you may think.
Recently announced to the public, the renowned and iconic editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988, Anna Wintour, handed off her crown and officially retired from the position.
That crown was handed to a young woman, Chloe Malle, the official successor of Anna Wintour.
Questions began immediately circulating around the fashion world—Why now? Can she fill the shoes of someone like Wintour? Who even is Chloe Malle?
Known for her flamboyant attire, sharp bob, and signature sunglasses that bring about an intimidating and immediately recognizable aura, Anna Wintour has been the face of Vogue, and fashion as a whole, for years. London-born, Wintour became the editor-in-chief of Vogue in 1988 and built the fashion magazine into more than just a monthly issue, but an influential empire of fashion hierarchy. Under her leadership, Vogue became a worldwide cultural establishment that uniquely incorporates celebrity culture into high fashion on the global scale.
But what happens when someone as influential as Anna Wintour steps down from the fashion world?
31 year old Wintour successor Chloe Malle had spent more than the last ten years working behind the scenes, shaping the brand of Vogue behind Anna Wintour. Daughter of filmmaker Louis Malle and actress Candice Bergen, Malle had received much criticism and skepticism from the fashion world. However, previously a journalist, podcast host, and editor for American Vogue, she is no stranger to the public eye—and being the daughter of Hollywood stars, she is also no stranger to the world of condemnation. Many concerns of consumers revolve around the label of “nepo baby,” claiming that her appointment to editor-in-chief was merely based on privilege rather than excellence.
“We saw a lot of amazing candidates,” Wintour stated in an interview to People Inc. “Chloe consistently came back with the clearest vision and the most original ideas.” She continued to defend her decision to appoint Malle, stating that she “had to prove herself during the interview process,” like every other candidate. Wintour later stated that while she will not be leaving the fashion industry completely, she will be handing the reins to her successor.
Throughout her decade of work at Vogue, Malle has rigorously worked to connect the fashion magazine to the younger generation during a new accelerating time of digital and fast consumerism. She claims that she will work to create a new era with a “more direct, smaller, and healthier audience,” while continuing to honor Wintour’s legacy.
Over the next few months, and even years, Chloe Malle will be under close watch by the fashion world as she begins her operations as new editor-in-chief. While Anna Wintour will not be far away, Malle aims to leave her defining mark on Vogue to build a lasting legacy that balances the past with the “frontlines of the new.”
Vogue is more than just a magazine—it is a blending of art, culture, lifestyle, and identity from both the past and the present; it is an institution that does not just define ideas and trends, but creates them. The editorial choice to place someone on the cover of Vogue is more than just a choice—it’s a declaration; it tells the world who matters, what matters, and why.
As the global fashion icon, Anna Wintour, steps down and hands the reins to her successor, Chloe Malle, the world will be watching the evolution of this symbolic handoff with anticipation as an era comes to an end and a new chapter unfolds.
“Fashion is the art of embracing change, but some changes run closer to one’s heart than the rest.” -Anna Wintour, speech on her formal retirement and the choice/appointment of her successor Chloe Malle.
