A new era dawns at American Vogue with Leadership Succession. After 37 years, Anna Wintour is stepping aside, and Chloe Malle, a longtime Vogue staffer, is taking the reins as Head of Editorial Content. The announcement, made on September 2, 2025, signals a significant shift in the fashion world, marking the first change in top editorial leadership at the U.S. edition in nearly four decades. While Wintour will remain at Condé Nast as chief content officer and global editorial director for Vogue’s worldwide editions, Malle’s appointment represents a strategic move to adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape.
A New Chapter at American Vogue
The Key Players
The transition involves two prominent figures: Chloe Malle and Anna Wintour. According to The Guardian, Anna Wintour, 75, has held the editor-in-chief position for 37 years, becoming a fashion icon in the process. Chloe Malle, 39, daughter of actress Candice Bergen and director Louis Malle, has been with Vogue since 2011. As noted by CBS News, Malle previously served as editor of Vogue.com and co-hosted “The Run-Through with Vogue” podcast. Wintour will continue her influential presence at Condé Nast, overseeing all global Vogue editions.
What Happened?
Chloe Malle’s appointment as Head of Editorial Content for American Vogue signifies a structural change. The traditional title of “editor-in-chief” has been retired for the U.S. edition, aligning it with the structure of its international counterparts, according to The Independent. Malle will report directly to Wintour, ensuring continuity while bringing a fresh perspective to the role. This shift marks a significant moment in Vogue’s history, setting the stage for a new direction under Malle’s leadership.
Timeline of the Transition
The transition unfolded over several months. Anna Wintour announced her decision to step back from the editor-in-chief role in June 2025, as reported by Wikipedia. The official announcement of Chloe Malle’s appointment was made on September 2, 2025, with her role effective immediately, according to Bluewin. This change comes just ahead of New York Fashion Week, which runs from September 11 to 16, making it a pivotal moment for the magazine and the fashion industry.
Location of the Change
This editorial transition is centered at American Vogue, a prominent fashion magazine published by Condé Nast. The magazine’s operations are based in New York City, making it a hub for fashion and media. As noted by Yahoo News Canada, Vogue‘s influence extends globally, but its American edition remains a key player in shaping fashion trends and cultural conversations.
The Reasons Behind the Leadership Succession
Wintour’s Expanded Role
Anna Wintour’s decision to step down from the day-to-day editorial leadership of American Vogue is attributed to her expanded responsibilities as Condé Nast’s global chief content officer and global editorial director for Vogue. According to Story Magazine, this allows her to focus more intensely on the brand’s multifaceted growth across its global audiences, publications, and major events like the Met Gala and Vogue World. By relinquishing her role as editor-in-chief of the U.S. edition, Wintour can dedicate more time to these broader strategic initiatives.
Standardizing Editorial Leadership
The restructuring also aims to standardize the editorial leadership model across all Vogue editions. As reported by MediaPost, this move aligns American Vogue with its international counterparts, creating a more cohesive global brand. Wintour stated that “fashion and media are both evolving at breakneck speed,” and Malle has proven her ability to balance Vogue‘s history with its future, according to the Star Tribune. The standardization of editorial leadership is seen as a strategic move to streamline operations and enhance collaboration across different regions.
Impact and Future Direction
A New Era for American Vogue
The appointment of Chloe Malle signals a new era for American Vogue. Malle, a long-time insider, is expected to bring a fresh perspective while maintaining continuity. As noted by Hypebeast, Malle’s experience with Vogue.com and “The Run-Through” podcast indicates a focus on digital content and engagement, reflecting the evolving media landscape. This shift suggests that American Vogue will likely prioritize digital platforms and innovative content formats under Malle’s leadership.
Wintour’s Continued Influence
While Wintour will no longer be involved in the daily operations of the U.S. edition, her overarching influence on the brand’s vision, major events, and global strategy will continue. According to The Cut, Wintour will remain a mentor to Malle, ensuring that the magazine’s core values and aesthetic remain intact. This transition is seen as a strategic move to adapt Vogue to the rapidly changing fashion and media industries, while preserving its legacy and influence.
Chloe Malle’s ascension to Head of Editorial Content at American Vogue marks a pivotal moment in the magazine’s history. With Anna Wintour’s continued guidance and Malle’s digital expertise, Vogue is poised to navigate the evolving media landscape while maintaining its position as a leading voice in fashion and culture. This transition reflects a strategic adaptation to the changing dynamics of the industry, ensuring Vogue‘s relevance and influence for years to come.
