Anna Wintour’s Vogue Succession Plan: Chloe Malle Takes the Helm
I’m Sage Matthews, a cynical observer who’s seen it all, and I’m here to break down the latest news: Anna Wintour, the iconic editor-in-chief of Vogue, has finally found her successor. Of course, it’s not like the fashion world was holding its breath or anything. Chloe Malle, the current editor of Vogue.com, has been tapped as the new Head of Editorial Content for Vogue U.S., and I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that she’s Anna’s protégée.
Anna Wintour announced her decision to step down as Vogue editor-in-chief in June, and it’s been a long time coming. After 37 years at the helm, she’s moving on to a new role as chief content officer for Vogue publisher Condé Nast, overseeing a slew of brands including WIRED, Vanity Fair, and GQ. It’s a smart move, really – who wouldn’t want to trade in the pressures of editing a fashion magazine for the relative calm of overseeing an entire publishing empire?
Chloe Malle, 39, has been with Vogue since 2011, working her way up the ranks from social editor to contributing editor, and finally to editor of Vogue.com in 2023. She’s got an impressive resume, having edited several books, including Vogue Living: City, Country, Coast, and Vogue Weddings: Brides, Dresses, Designers. And, of course, she’s the daughter of director Louis Malle and actress Candice Bergen – nepotism much?
In her new role, Malle will lead the creative and editorial direction of Vogue, reporting directly to Anna Wintour. And, get this, she won’t be taking on the title of editor-in-chief. Instead, she’ll be known as the Head of Editorial Content, because who needs a fancy title when you can just have the same responsibilities?
Malle seems to be taking her new role seriously, telling The New York Times that she wants to put her own stamp on Vogue. She’s pitching ideas like releasing print issues around specific themes or cultural moments, rather than sticking to a monthly schedule. And, she’s focusing on building a “more direct, smaller, healthier audience” online. Because, you know, the internet is a scary place.
Anna Wintour, ever the mentor, is reportedly thrilled with Malle’s appointment, saying she’s excited to work alongside someone new who will “challenge us, inspire us, and make us all think about Vogue in a myriad of original ways.” Yeah, because that’s exactly what Vogue needs – more of the same old thing.
As for Malle, she’s just trying to fill some big shoes. She told The New York Times that she knows she can’t just be “Anna lite” – she needs to bring her own unique perspective to the table. Good luck with that.
In a press release, Malle said she’s “thrilled—and awed—to be part of [the fashion and media] evolution.” Yeah, because evolution is exactly what the fashion industry needs – more change, more disruption, more of the same old thing.
The appointment is effective immediately, and Malle will join the leadership team of ten Heads of Editorial Content globally. Because, you know, hierarchy is everything in the fashion world.
As I wrap up this article, I’m left wondering what’s next for Vogue and Chloe Malle. Will she be able to put her own stamp on the magazine, or will she just be another Anna Wintour in training? Only time will tell.
Anyway, can’t wait to see how this gets worse.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, NBC News, The New York Times
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
