After almost 40 years as the editor-in-chief of American Vogue, Anna Wintour announced in June 2025 that she is stepping down from that role. This is a big change, not just for Vogue, but for the whole fashion world. Wintour has been one of the most powerful and well-known people in fashion for decades. Her name has become closely linked with Vogue, and her choices have helped shape trends, launch designers’ careers, and guide how fashion is presented to the public. Even though she is stepping down from her job as editor-in-chief, she is not leaving Vogue or Condé Nast completely. Instead, she will now focus on her global roles as Vogue’s global editorial director and Condé Nast’s chief content officer.

This means Anna Wintour will still be making important decisions, but she won’t be managing the everyday work of the U.S. edition of Vogue. That job will now be handled by someone new, called the Head of Editorial Content (HOEC). This is a newer role that already exists at Vogue editions in other countries. Now, the U.S. magazine will follow the same structure. The HOEC will be in charge of things like planning magazine issues, choosing covers, and managing the team. However, they will still report to Wintour, who will keep her top position in the company. This change allows her to focus more on big-picture ideas and the future of the brand worldwide.

Even though her title is changing, Wintour’s influence is not going away. She will continue to lead famous fashion events like the Met Gala, which she has helped turn into one of the most glamorous nights in the world. She will also stay involved in Vogue World, a new global fashion show and event that connects fashion with entertainment, sports, and culture. On top of that, she will keep writing about her favorite subjects, including tennis and Broadway theater—two passions she has supported for years.

Wintour’s Legacy at Vogue

Wintour’s time at Vogue began in 1988 when she became the first female editor-in-chief of the American edition. At that time, she made bold changes that many people were unsure about. For example, she put celebrities on the magazine’s cover instead of only models, and she mixed expensive clothes with more affordable ones. These choices made fashion feel more modern and closer to everyday life. Over the years, she helped discover and support many famous designers like Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen. She also made Vogue more than just a fashion magazine, it became a symbol of culture, style, and influence.

Her decision to step back comes at an important time for magazines. Today, more people read content online than in print, and traditional magazines must work hard to stay relevant. Wintour understands this, and she has helped Vogue grow by moving it into the digital world, focusing more on videos, social media, and events. Her new position will let her continue to guide Vogue through these changes while giving someone else the chance to run the U.S. edition day to day.

What’s Next for American Vogue

Many people are now wondering who will become the new Head of Editorial Content for American Vogue. That person will have a lot of responsibility and will need to continue the high standards Wintour set. They will have to balance creativity with business, fashion with culture, and tradition with change. Whoever takes on the job will be working under the shadow of one of fashion’s greatest leaders.

Conclusion

In the end, Anna Wintour is not saying goodbye to fashion or to Vogue. She is simply taking a step back from one role so she can focus on the bigger picture. Her leadership, taste, and ideas will still shape the future of fashion around the world. Even after almost four decades, her impact remains as strong as ever.