Vogue Appoints Chloe Malle as U.S. Editorial Head—Anna Wintour’s Successor Steps Into the Spotlight
In a move that has the fashion world buzzing, we all now know that Vogue has named Chloe Malle its new head of editorial content for the U.S. edition. After nearly four decades of iconic, often intimidating, leadership, Anna Wintour is passing the domestic torch. It’s the end of an era, but also, it is the start of something new and potentially revolutionary!
So, who is this woman stepping into the legendary low-heeled slingbacks? Let’s dive in!
Who is Chloe Malle?
For those not deeply embedded in the Vogue universe, Chloe Malle, 39, might seem like a fresh face; however, she’s far from a newcomer! In fact, she’s a seasoned veteran of the magazine’s halls, having started as its social editor back in 2011.
Malle has steadily climbed the ranks, becoming a contributing editor and, most recently, the editor of Vogue.com. Under her leadership, the website’s traffic skyrocketed, proving she knows how to capture the digital zeitgeist. In a statement, Malle said, “Vogue has already shaped who I am, now I’m excited at the prospect of shaping Vogue.” We love to see it!
What This Means for Vogue
We know that Anna Wintour isn’t exactly disappearing into a quiet retirement filled with tennis and gardening. At 75, she’s retaining her titles as the chief content officer and global editorial director of Vogue, so Malle will report directly to her. This has sparked a debate: is this a genuine passing of the baton, or is Wintour simply unwilling to relinquish full control? Either way, the “editor-in-chief” title, which Wintour held for nearly 40 years, is officially being retired. This aligns with a broader trend that seems to be moving away from the singular, all-powerful editor model.
No matter what, Malle is poised to bring a fresh perspective! She reportedly plans to shift the print edition to be more thematic, focusing on cultural moments rather than the traditional monthly calendar. The idea appears to be to transform the magazine into a collectible item, something to be cherished rather than flipped through and tossed. It’s a savvy move in an age where TikTok and Instagram have become primary sources of fashion inspiration. As fashion journalist Lauren Sherman, who broke the story, noted, “Vogue… is one of the most important fashion brands in the world,” and it’s up to Malle to “use it wisely to influence the way the culture moves.”
Final Thoughts: The End of an Era And the Start of a New One
Let’s be real: Anna Wintour didn’t just edit a magazine; she shaped culture. She famously put celebrities on the cover, merged high and low fashion, and turned the Met Gala into the global spectacle it is today. Wintour took risks and, more often than not, they paid off! Her successor inherits that legacy but also faces the challenge of keeping a 134-year-old brand relevant to a new generation.
With her digital prowess and a finger on the pulse of modern media, Chloe Malle seems uniquely equipped for the task. She co-hosts Vogue‘s podcast, “The Run-Through,” and understands that today’s audience consumes content across multiple platforms. Her appointment is a clear signal that Vogue is ready to fully embrace its digital future while honoring its storied past.
The fashion world will be watching Malle’s every move. No pressure, right? But if her track record is any indication, the future of American Vogue is in very capable and very stylish hands!
