Fly-on-the-wall account of what really happened when Anna Wintour told stunned Vogue meeting room she was leaving

On Thursday, the fashion industry experienced a pause when a titan declared that an epoch had ended.

In a surprising move, Anna Wintour, aged 75, electrified the offices of Vogue in New York by unexpectedly announcing her decision to step down from her position as editor-in-chief.

Over a span of 37 years, Wintour successfully transformed the magazine, making it the powerful voice it is recognized as today.

Noted equally for her distinctive sunglasses and stylish bob hairstyle, as well as her firm control over her domain, she ascended to become the undisputed queen of publishing.

Her choices held significant influence over global fashion trends, with the ability to either elevate or undermine designers by setting them.

Despite continuing in her roles as Global Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast (Vogue’s parent company) and Global Editorial Director at the magazine, the news about her position left the staff astonished and in shock.

According to reports by The Daily Mail, the renowned British fashion figure revealed during a routine gathering with top-level associates that they are on the hunt for a fresh Head of Editorial Content based in the United States.

Wintour mentioned that finding joy in assisting the upcoming generation of enthusiastic editors to make a mark in their field, guided by a fresh, dynamic vision of what a leading media organization could become, brings him the most satisfaction.

‘And that is exactly the kind of person we need to now look for to be HOEC for US Vogue.’

A person who attended the gathering shared with the Daily Mail that they were taken aback, as Wintour unexpectedly disclosed the alteration during the meeting.

It was ‘like finding out that God is stepping down from being God,’ the source said.

‘She wasn’t warm and fuzzy, and she was a real taskmaster – but she was our taskmaster.

As her devoted admirer, I’ve come to understand her desires and the secret recipe for satisfying them. A sense of camaraderie has developed between us. I’ve mastered the art of meeting her needs, but now, in this new chapter, I find myself navigating uncharted territory once more.

The announcement wasn’t filled with emotion, although a few staff members showed signs of becoming emotional. It wasn’t a scene of tears and wailing, however.

‘We’re all just trying to figure out what the new normal will look like.’

In my fervent admiration, I can’t help but boast about the immense responsibility I hold: as a dedicated fanboy, I oversee the entire global empire that is Condé Nast, an extraordinary collection of brands that include the likes of Wired, Vanity Fair, GQ, AD, Condé Nast Traveler, Glamour, Bon Appétit, Tatler, World of Interiors, and Allure, just to name a few. It’s a dream job for any enthusiast like me!

The new head of editorial content for US Vogue will report to her.

Back in 1988, I took on the role of editor-in-chief at Vogue, a position that I’ve since been acknowledged for revolutionizing the fashion magazine landscape.

In the novel “The Devil Wears Prada,” penned by her ex-assistant Lauren Weisberger, her icy, exceptionally tough, and at times stern leadership approach was significantly molded.

In the movie version, Anne Hathaway plays Andrea Sachs, a freshly graduated university student who works as an assistant for the demanding Miranda Priestley, portrayed by Meryl Streep.

Or:
In the film, Anne Hathaway assumes the role of Andrea Sachs, a recent graduate who works under the stern Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep.

Or:
In the movie, Anne Hathaway is cast as Andrea Sachs, the assistant to the tough Miranda Priestley, portrayed by Meryl Streep.

Or:
In the film adaptation, Anne Hathaway steps into the shoes of university graduate Andrea Sachs, who works for the formidable Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep.

Priestly is portrayed as cruel, vindictive and a boss to whom her employees could never say ‘no.’

According to the source, it’s not quite accurate to make direct comparisons between Priestley and Wintour.

‘Everyone thinks she’s Miranda Priestley, and in many ways she is.

However, she’s not just any person; she’s far beyond ordinary. While we may not share a friendship, I must acknowledge the incredible work we’ve achieved together over such a prolonged period.

Despite Wintour continuing to oversee Vogue’s editorial content, a sense of uncertainty lingers among the team regarding its future.

A search is underway to find an individual who will step into the shoes (Manolo Blahnik slingbacks) of a key figure in a massive fashion empire boasting 28 global editions, as the publishing world faces challenges.

Speculation about who will take over day-to-day running of the magazine has already begun.

‘Everyone’s nervous about what the shakeup will be,’ our source added.

Initially, Wintour started her career with the magazine Harpers & Queen, which no longer exists. Later, before assuming the role of editor-in-chief at Vogue, she served as its creative director.

After that, she returned to her role at British Vogue, serving as the editor-in-chief between 1985 and 1987. Subsequently, she went back to American Vogue.

In my line of work as a lifestyle expert, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some truly iconic figures. From powerhouses like Oprah Winfrey to fashion icons such as Madonna, Ivana Trump, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford, I’ve been graced with their presence on the covers of my publications.

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2025-06-28 23:49

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