Power, bullying and racism: Anna Wintour's reign over fashion ends
Anna Wintour's legacy in the fashion world is one of ice-cold precision, iron-fisted control, and ruthless ambition.
The exit of Anna Wintour from the helm of Vogue US is, in the eyes of many, long overdue.
Her departure as editor-in-chief of Vogue US, after 37 years, may be framed as a transition, but for those who have endured her wrath, it feels more like the lifting of a long dark shadow.
Her departure comes not as a graceful retirement, but as a calculated pivot - still clinging tightly to power while offering a token gesture to the next generation.
Wintour's legacy in the fashion world is one of ice-cold precision, iron-fisted control, and ruthless ambition.
Far from being simply a powerful editor, she has become synonymous with fear. Often described as bullying, racist, and emotionally void, Wintour has broken spirits, stunted careers, and discarded people with unnerving ease.
The Devil Wears Prada
Wintour, widely believed to have inspired the character Miranda Priestly in 'The Devil Wears Prada', announced that a new editorial role would be created at Vogue US. 'I want to help the next generation of impassioned editors storm the field with their own ideas,' she reportedly told staff.
Yet, true to form, she added that she would still be holding onto many of her current responsibilities – making it clear she's not letting go without a fight. 'It goes without saying that I plan to remain Vogue's tennis and theatre editor in perpetuity,' she declared.
Her toxic presence has been so pervasive that when director David Frankel made 'The Devil Wears Prada', the fashion industry recoiled in fear.
Designers refused to work with the production, terrified of angering Wintour. Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna admitted she struggled to find anyone willing to speak to her. 'People were afraid of Anna and Vogue, not wanting to be blackballed,' she explained.
The fear was so widespread that they struggled to secure iconic locations like the Met and Bryant Park in New York.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
18 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Newlyweds Bezos and Sanchez gear up for final party at Venice gala
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez, flush from their Venice wedding ceremony on Friday, were on Saturday gearing up for the final day of partying in the lagoon city with scores of celebrity guests from media, fashion and show business. The three-day gala, estimated to cost about $50m (R900m), culminated last night with the closing party in a former medieval shipyard where Lady Gaga and Elton John were expected to perform. Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, exchanged rings on Friday evening on the small island of San Giorgio, across the water from Saint Mark's Square, accompanied by singing from Matteo Bocelli, son of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. The bride at the ceremony wore a high-necked silhouette dress and a tulle and lace veil by Dolce & Gabbana, which she told magazine Vogue was based on the dress worn by Sophia Loren to marry Cary Grant in the 1958 film Houseboat. Sanchez also wore a pair of diamond earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, which, according to Vogue, were lent to her in keeping with the tradition that it brings good luck for a bride to wear something borrowed. Bezos, who is No. 4 on Forbes's global billionaires list, donned a black tuxedo and bow tie over a white shirt. The ceremony had no legal status under Italian law, a senior city hall official said, suggesting the couple may have already legally wed in the US, avoiding the bureaucracy associated with an Italian marriage.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Lauren Sánchez's wedding dress steals the show in Venice
Lauren Sánchez dazzled guests and fashion watchers alike when she wed Jeff Bezos in Venice on Friday. The ceremony, held on the historic island of San Giorgio Maggiore, was the centrepiece of a three-day celebration. The ceremony drew in celebrities, royalty, and global attention. Sánchez chose a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown for her wedding. The dress was inspired by the high-necked lace gown worn by Sophia Loren in the 1958 film Houseboat . 'I wanted something that evokes a moment, and where I am right now. I am a different person than I was five years ago,' Sánchez, according to Page Six. Lauren Sánchez added, 'I researched pictures of brides in the 1950s. I saw Sophia Loren, and her hands were in a prayer position. She was in high lace, up to the neck, and I said, 'That's it. That's the dress.' The gown featured: A high turtleneck and long sleeves A corseted waist, accentuating Sánchez's figure 180 silk chiffon-covered buttons running from neck to floor Hand-appliquéd Italian lace throughout A mermaid-style skirt with a dramatic train A lace-trimmed veil, worn over a sleek bun Sánchez completed her look with Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Miracolo earrings. The earrings featured four diamonds cut from a single stone and set in white gold as her 'something borrowed'. Sánchez admitted that her choice was unexpected. 'It is a departure from what people expect—from what I expect—but it's very much me,' she said. Lauren Sánchez kept the dress a secret from Bezos until the day of the ceremony. 'As you get a little older, not many things surprise you. I can't wait to see his face,' she told Vogue . The wedding was not just a single-dress affair. For the wedding dinner, Sánchez changed into a second corseted gown inspired by Rita Hayworth's iconic look in Gilda . Later, she donned an Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress adorned with 175,000 crystals for the party. Dolce & Gabbana was a meaningful choice for Sánchez. Her son, Nikko Gonzalez, made his modelling debut for the brand earlier this year. Lauren Sánchez herself has attended their shows, often seated in the front row. The wedding's estimated cost was around $50 million—about R900 million—making it one of the most expensive celebrity weddings in recent memory. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Anna Wintour to exit Vogue-what's next for the fashion powerhouse?
Fashion connoisseur and aficionado Anna Wintour has announced that she will be stepping down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Wintour has been at the helm of the esteemed publication for 37 years. Wintour's tenure is synonymous with excellence. Vogue US has become a bastion for high fashion, and the vaunted publication has been a pivotal force in displaying the works of some of the world's best. The cultural impact and significance of Vogue are hard to overlook. The pride of Hampstead, London, is famed for pushing the envelope. Her emphasis on showcasing political figures and the now infamous and daring move to feature denim on the cover of a couture magazine have endeared her to her fans and lovers of fashion. These choices and others also saw to it that the Vogue was at the epicentre of the zeitgeist in the realm of fashion. The Met Gala could also be considered one of the best brand extensions of all time by any publication, anywhere. The event has become a fixture on the fashion calendar. It is also arguably one of the more momentous events centred around style. Her legendary run began in 1988. Wintour's vision for the brand saw her propel it to new heights. Vogue became a global brand and an iron-clad authority on fashion. The 75-year-old revealed her intentions to step down at an editorial meeting on Thursday. She explained to her team that she was now ready for the next phase of her career, which is to raise new talent. She said: 'My greatest pleasure now is helping the next generation of impassioned editors storm the field with their own ideas.' Wintour has been a tour de force in the fashion industry. Naturally her departure will be gradual in some respects. She will no longer be involved in the daily operations of the business but will stay on as Vogue's international editorial director. A successor has yet to be announced, and Wintour has left some stylish and yet rather big shoes to fill. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
