End of an Era?

Anna Wintour and the future of Vogue

I’ve been debating whether to comment on Anna Wintour or not. But after reading the many reactions to her decision to “step down” from her role at Vogue US, I feel compelled to share my thoughts.

What has truly struck me is the huge interest her announcement has sparked, from mainstream media like BBC radio and television, to daily newspapers in various countries, and even unrelated podcasts and comedy shows. That level of attention only reaffirms the immense cultural power she has accumulated over decades.

And once again, Ms. Wintour is demonstrating her strategic, if opportunistic brilliance. She is not relinquishing power; she’s simply reshuffling roles and redefining what that power looks like, all while projecting care for the next generation.

The reality is, she understands Vogue is walking its own Sunset Boulevard, and she refuses to let its potential demise define her legacy. In other words, she’s stepping out of the spotlight just in time. When that decline accelerates, she won’t be on the front line. People may say, “Look what happened without Anna,” but the truth is: the new Editorial Director will be focused on metrics (likes, reach, growth) while Anna will likely remain the one who mostly decides which designers matter, which photographers are viable, and which creative talent gets visibility. She is just extracting herself from risk.

Names are already circulating for her successor, but I find myself wondering: why would any major figure in media want that job? Perhaps money and fame still trump having a meaningful role in reshaping fashion, a role that could truly move things forward and help create the new cultural narratives we so urgently need (especially after Lauren Sanchez cover appearance in an old fashion wedding dress).

So no, I don’t believe this marks the end of an era, at least not yet. But for once, I sincerely hope I’m wrong.