Anna Wintour is not just a name in the fashion industry; she is a powerful force whose influence has reshaped the landscape of modern fashion and journalism. As the editor-in-chief of Vogue, she has made pivotal decisions that have not only defined trends but have also provided a platform for countless designers. Known for her iconic pageboy haircut and her signature sunglasses, Wintour's persona is as compelling as her professional achievements.
Wintour's journey began in London, where she was born on November 3, 1949, into a wealthy family. Her father was a newspaper editor, which exposed her to the world of journalism early on. It was evident from a young age that Wintour was destined for greatness, as she carved her path in a male-dominated industry with determination and vision. Her story is one of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, making her a fascinating figure to explore.
Through her unique leadership style, Wintour has been instrumental in changing the magazine industry, particularly through her role at Vogue. She has championed new talent and has not been afraid to take risks, often shaking up the status quo to keep fashion dynamic and relevant. In this article, we will delve into various aspects of her life, including her early years, career milestones, and the impact she continues to have on the fashion world.
Table of Contents
- Who Is Anna Wintour?
- Early Life
- Early Editorial Career
- From British Vogue to American Vogue
- Revitalizing Vogue: Ending the Supermodel Era
- Prolific Fashion Influencer
- Criticism, Reputation and The Devil Wears Prada
- Met Gala, CFDA Charities and Politics
- Personal Life
- Quick Facts
Who Is Anna Wintour?
Fashion icon Anna Wintour is the eldest daughter of Charles Wintour, the editor of the London Evening Standard newspaper. Wintour landed the editorship of American Vogue in 1988. She revived the Condé Nast publication and became one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry, known widely for her iconic pageboy haircut and chilly demeanor. In 2013, Wintour added to her responsibilities at Condé Nast by becoming its artistic director.
Early Life
Wintour was born on November 3, 1949, in London, England, to newspaper editor Charles Wintour and philanthropist Elinor Wintour. Born into a family with considerable wealth, Wintour demonstrated a tendency to do things her own way at an early age. As a teenager, she made the decision to forgo academics, dropping out of her fancy finishing school and opting instead for a life that revolved around the tony London life of the 1960s that she so clearly adored. With her signature hairstyle — she first went to the bob at the age of 15 and has changed it very little since then — Wintour frequented the same London clubs of pop culture's biggest stars, including members of the Beatles and Rolling Stones.
Early Editorial Career
Long before Vogue, however, Wintour started out in the fashion department of Harper's & Queen in London. Over the years, she rose up the editorial ladder and bounced from publication to publication between New York and London. In 1976, she moved to New York and took over as fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar. Still in her 20s and still in New York, Wintour left Harper's for a job at Viva, a publication owned by the same outfit that managed Penthouse. There, Wintour essentially became the magazine's fashion department, cutting her teeth as a high-end editor and manager. Wintour spent generously on photographers and shoots, arranging for expensive trips to places like the Caribbean and Japan.
From British Vogue to American Vogue
In 1986, two years after she married South African psychiatrist David Shaffer, Wintour returned to London as chief editor of the Condé Nast-owned British Vogue. Not surprisingly, Wintour had her own ideas about the magazine and where it needed to go.
Revitalizing Vogue: Ending the Supermodel Era
Wintour's stay at HG didn't last long. In 1988, she was named editor-in-chief of Vogue, allowing for her return to New York. The move by Condé Nast came at a time when its signature fashion publication was at a crossroads. A magazine that had been at the forefront of the fashion world since the early 1960s, Vogue suddenly found itself losing ground to a three-year-old upstart, Elle, which had already reached a paid circulation of 850,000. Vogue's subscriber base meanwhile, was a stagnant 1.2 million.
Prolific Fashion Influencer
Despite her claims to the contrary, Wintour became a force in the fashion world, not only through her decisions about what to feature in her magazine but also by breaking in newer designers and celebrating their styles. She helped make the careers of such designers like Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen. In recent years, her work has made her a power broker between designers and retailers. In 2006, she initiated a deal between men's designer Thom Browne and Brooks Brothers, which resulted in Brown's work appearing in 90 of the retailer's stores.
Criticism, Reputation and The Devil Wears Prada
One of Wintour's former assistants, Lauren Weisberger, wrote The Devil Wears Prada (2003), a fictionalized account of her days at Vogue. Her main character, played by Meryl Streep, was a demanding boss not unlike Wintour. The book was made into a film in 2006, and Wintour turned heads when she arrived at the film's premiere dressed in Prada. This move showed critics and fans alike that Wintour was not without a sense of humor.
Met Gala, CFDA Charities and Politics
In general, Wintour appears unfazed by comments about her in the media. But what doesn't seem to get much mention is her charitable work. Wintour helped raise money for the Twin Towers fund after the September 11th terror attacks. With the Council of Fashion Designers of America, she also helped create a new fund to encourage and support up-and-coming designers. As a board member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she also organizes a fundraiser for the museum's costume department, which over the years has brought in some $50 million.
Personal Life
She and her husband David Shaffer divorced in 1999. The couple has two children together: Charles and Katherine. Wintour lives in New York City with her longtime boyfriend, investor Shelby Bryan.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Anna Wintour |
| Birth Year | 1949 |
| Birth Date | November 3, 1949 |
| Birth City | London |
| Birth Country | United Kingdom |
| Gender |
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