Anna Wintour steps down from Vogue: Who will be her successor as American Vogue Editor-in-Chief?

The Devil is finally hanging up her Prada!After an astonishing run at the helm for almost four decades, Anna Wintour is stepping back from her day‑to‑day duties as Editor‑in‑Chief of American Vogue.

In an internal meeting on June 26, the 75‑year‑old style mogul announced she’d hand over the operational reins to a newly created Head of Editorial Content role.

Although she is stepping down from her previous role, she is not severing her ties with the company. After putting her papers (and Prada) as the Editor-in-Chief for Vogue US, she will be retaining her positions as Condé Nast’s Global Chief Content Officer and Global Editorial Director of Vogue.This move marks both a dramatic end, a seismic shift, and a new, energizing beginning. The buzz in fashion and media circles is palpable: Who will be wearing Prada now? Who will step into the glaring spotlight to lead Vogue forward?

The successor must embody Wintour’s blend of cultural gravitas, commercial savvy, and digital fluency. As the industry braces for a generational shift, let’s try and discover who might rise to inherit one of the most coveted titles in fashion.

Requirements in the resume:

Now, selecting the new Head of Editorial Content won’t be easy. So, the question is – what are the qualities that will make someone eligible for Wintour’s job? What will the next leader need to prove their worth wearing Prada?

Here’s what the candidate must bring to the table:A vision beyond print: In an era defined by TikTok and Instagram, Vogue needs someone who can translate its prestige into digital engagement while maintaining editorial integrity.

They must bridge legacy and innovation – recognizing Vogue’s prestigious history while tailoring content for global audiences and Gen Z.Balancing legacy and innovation: Fans, advertisers, and creatives expect Vogue to remain the arbiter of style – but they also want fresh voices. The new editor must honor the mansion Wintour built, and also renovate its foundations.Operational Leader: Overseeing a large editorial team, they’ll coordinate monthly issues, digital platforms, events like the Met Gala, and guard brand consistency across channels.

A global mindset: With Vogue representing a global empire, this leader must understand international sensibilities and work seamlessly with regional teams.A talent recognizer: Wintour’s successors, like Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen, were once protégés under her guidance. That ability to spot and nurture is essential for the next chapter.Collaborative force: Reporting directly to Wintour, the new head must collaborate seamlessly – respecting her strategic vision while injecting fresh perspectives.

The frontrunners for the job:

Now, this one’s a prestigious position to apply for. Quite naturally, who’s who of the industry might be eying the job. So, who will be the next real-life Miranda Priestly?

Though Condé Nast hasn’t named a successor, considerable buzz surrounds several potential contenders.Amy Astley: Currently Editor of Architectural Digest, Astley founded Teen Vogue and built a reputation for bridging print aesthetics and digital innovation.Chioma Nnadi: As Head of Editorial Content at British Vogue since 2023, she’s made history as the publication’s first Black woman at the helm and rejuvenated its digital presence. With deep experience at American Vogue, she’s beloved by Wintour insiders.Kate Betts: A former Vogue News Director and once-considered heir apparent, she challenged Wintour creatively in the ‘90s. Betts’ journalism-first sensibility could revive Vogue’s editorial edge.

Also rumored are internal candidates – like Taylor Antrim (Deputy Editor) or Chloe Malle (Head of Vogue US web) – who understand the brand intimately and represent continuity-barrier smarts.