Why Anna Wintour will never go out of fashion
Since first shocking the fashion world by putting a model in an exquisite Christian Lacroix jacket and ordinary blue jeans on her first US Vogue cover as editor in 1988, Anna Wintour has known how to make headlines.
This week was meant to belong to Irish designer Jonathan Anderson, who was making his debut in Paris as creative director of the most celebrated luxury label, Dior. By announcing the search for her successor in the editor's chair at Vogue, Wintour hijacked the conversation, reminding everyone who truly rules fashion.
For 37 years, Wintour has steadfastly pushed fashion to the forefront of popular culture. When Wintour began at Vogue, few people outside the magazine's glossy pages knew the names of the designers at Chanel or Louis Vuitton. Now your barista knows how to say Balenciaga and could be wearing it.
By filling Vogue's covers with Hollywood stars such as Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Aniston, along with performing artists Madonna, Britney Spears and Rihanna, she has consistently blurred the lines between fashion and celebrity. Thanks to Wintour's democratisation of luxury, most celebrities now either have lucrative contracts as fashion ambassadors or their own clothing or beauty brands.
If you are Kim Kardashian, whose first Vogue cover was in 2014, you have all three.
With her signature bob and sunglasses, Wintour has become a star herself, never quite rising above the derisive nickname 'Nuclear Wintour', earned for her no-nonsense management style. 'I have great affection for Anna, but she took to power rather than being the cozy, conspiratorial friend she used to be,' former Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter told The New York Times in March. 'I'm impressed by her ability to take on more and more responsibility.'
Other nicknames came along, including the title from the 2003 book The Devil Wears Prada, written by her former assistant Lauren Weisberger, which went on to become a movie and musical. At the musical's London premiere in December, Wintour told the BBC that it's 'for the audience and for the people I work with to decide if there are any similarities between me and Miranda Priestly'.
Viewers of the 2009 documentary The September Issue were given glimpses of her very Miranda Priestly-like imperious nature and the fear she instilled in designers, eager to win her approval and the fashion pages that came along with it. Stefano Pilati, then creative director at Yves Saint Laurent, memorably trembles when a less-than-enthusiastic Wintour arrives in his studio. Pilati was replaced in 2012.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
26 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Kneecap to play at Glastonbury amid calls to ban them
Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn. Irish rap trio Kneecap are to perform at the Glastonbury Festival after a number of British politicians called for them to be banned from the event. It comes after one of the band's members, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in November 2024. Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with band mates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at a London court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing in August. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be "appropriate" for them to perform in the slot, which is due to go ahead on the Somerset festival's West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also said the BBC "should not be showing" the trio's set in a post on social media last week. Kneecap are not listed as one of the acts being shown live by the broadcaster. Before the group's set, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: "Ticket-holders can once again expect to see uniformed officers on site at Glastonbury Festival 24/7 throughout the festival as part of our extensive policing operation ensuring it is safe for everyone attending, as well as those who live nearby." Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, will headline the festival's Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's set would not be broadcast live from the festival in Somerset, England, "at the artist's request". Another act expected to draw a big crowd is Brat star Charli XCX, who will headline the Other Stage around the same time Young and Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii will also perform. The 1975 headlined the festival's Pyramid Stage on Friday night, with the performance seeing singer Matty Healy joke he was his generation's "best songwriter". Friday also saw a performance from Scottish music star Lewis Capaldi who told the Glastonbury crowds "I'm back baby" as he played a surprise set, two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms. Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full. Scottish indie rockers Franz Ferdinand brought out former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi during their Other Stage set while they were playing Take Me Out, one of their best-known songs. Celebrities seen at the festival include singer Harry Styles, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn.
The Age
13 hours ago
- The Age
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez marry in Venice ceremony
Venice: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez have married in an extravagant wedding ceremony, the centrepiece of a three-day gala featuring dozens of stars but also protests by local activists. Sanchez, 55, waved and blew kisses to onlookers as she boarded a sleek motorboat outside the Aman hotel to head to the ceremony, wearing short-sleeved, cream, fitted skirt suit, with shades and a headscarf to protect her from the blistering summer sun. Around two hours later Bezos, 61, wearing a black tuxedo and bow tie over a white shirt, made the same short trip across the lagoon to the small island of San Giorgio where the couple exchanged rings, accompanied by singing from Matteo Bocelli, son of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Vogue magazine shared a photograph of the bride on social media, saying her Dolce & Gabbana high-necked wedding dress was inspired by the one Sophia Loren wore in the 1958 film Houseboat. The evening ceremony will have no legal status under Italian law, a senior city hall official told Reuters, suggesting the couple may have already legally wed in the United States, avoiding the bureaucracy associated with an Italian marriage. The festivities, estimated to cost around $US50 million ($76 million), culminate on Saturday (Sunday AEST) with a party in a former medieval shipyard where media outlets say Lady Gaga and Elton John are set to perform. Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Tom Brady, the queen of Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Kris Jenner and Kim and Khloe Kardashian as well as Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner and Domenico Dolce from Dolce & Gabbana are among the 200-250 guests. Amid tight security, there have been glimpses of the celebrities moving around town, the women in summer dresses and high heels stepping somewhat gingerly off boats ferrying them around the city's canals.
Sydney Morning Herald
13 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez marry in Venice ceremony
Venice: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez have married in an extravagant wedding ceremony, the centrepiece of a three-day gala featuring dozens of stars but also protests by local activists. Sanchez, 55, waved and blew kisses to onlookers as she boarded a sleek motorboat outside the Aman hotel to head to the ceremony, wearing short-sleeved, cream, fitted skirt suit, with shades and a headscarf to protect her from the blistering summer sun. Around two hours later Bezos, 61, wearing a black tuxedo and bow tie over a white shirt, made the same short trip across the lagoon to the small island of San Giorgio where the couple will exchange rings, accompanied by singing from Matteo Bocelli, son of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Vogue magazine shared a photograph of the bride on social media, saying her Dolce & Gabbana high-necked wedding dress was inspired by the one Sophia Loren wore in the 1958 film Houseboat. The evening ceremony will have no legal status under Italian law, a senior city hall official told Reuters, suggesting the couple may have already legally wed in the United States, avoiding the bureaucracy associated with an Italian marriage. The festivities, estimated to cost around $US50 million ($76 million), culminate on Saturday (Sunday AEST) with a party in a former medieval shipyard where media outlets say Lady Gaga and Elton John are set to perform. Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Tom Brady, the queen of Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Kris Jenner and Kim and Khloe Kardashian as well as Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner and Domenico Dolce from Dolce & Gabbana are among the 200-250 guests. Amid tight security, there have been glimpses of the celebrities moving around town, the women in summer dresses and high heels stepping somewhat gingerly off boats ferrying them around the city's canals.
