Latest news with #fashionindustry
Forbes
15 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The 7 Best Sneakers For Women, According To Our Editors
It's not only socially acceptable to wear a sneaker pretty much anywhere these days, it's a smart style choice. Today's sneakers are appropriate—and stylish enough—for work, travel, fitness and even weddings. To curate the best sneakers for women, we tapped into the vast experience of our fashion team—which spends hours researching, evaluating and testing shoes and considering the features that matter most. Our top picks include a slip-on that's dressy enough for the office, a cushioned pair for achy feet and a comfy fashion sneaker. The best sneakers for women are comfortable, they offer a good fit, they're stylish—and they can be ... More worn anywhere. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS While comfort is key, of course, the sneakers on our list are also practical and they have style longevity. Whether you're looking for a timless option to add to your collection (like the Adidas Stan Smiths) or a versatile and wildly popular pair for everyday (like On's Cloud 6), ahead you'll find all the best sneakers for women. Best Everyday Sneaker For Women: On Cloud 6 Best Comfortable Sneaker For Women: New Balance 327 Best Retro Sneaker For Women: Adidas Stan Smith Best Slip-On Sneaker For Women: Rothy's The Original Slip On Sneaker Best Cushioned Sneaker For Women: Hoka Clifton 10 Best Fashion Sneaker For Women: Veronica Beard Valentina Sneaker Best Dress Sneaker For Women: Quince Italian Suede Everyday Sneaker First released in 2014 and now on its sixth iteration, the On Cloud 6 is a universal favorite for comfort. It features air pockets built within the sole and Zero-Gravity CloudTec foam, which gives the shoe a lightweight, cushioned and springy feel. The latest version has a wider opening and a sockliner for an easy step-in experience—ideal for airports, if you have mobility issues, or if you just don't want to exert a ton of effort into putting your shoes on and off. These aren't built for serious running, but they're a great option for walking and they look polished enough for lots of workplaces. To note: These come with both elastic speed laces or traditional laces, depending on your preference. New Balance New Balance 327 While New Balance is beloved for plenty of its designs (we've featured the Fresh Foam X 880v14 in our list of best shoes for standing all day), their 327 has become a women's sneaker staple since its debut in 2020. With the vintage look of a 1970s running shoe, this style is lightweight and complements a variety of foot shapes well. I love this pair because I can tighten the laces around my narrower foot but they also offer room in the forefoot for my toes to spread out. Wear them when running shoes feel too casual, and pack them for travel when you'll be doing lots of walking. There are few sneaker styles as timeless as the Adidas Stan Smiths, which was first released in 1971. The minimalist leather design and durable rubber sole will ensure these stay in your rotation season after season. This pair comes in eight colors, from metallic silver to collegiate navy detailing at the heel, although we're partial to classic Kelly green. Rothy's Rothy's The Original Slip On Sneaker Rothy's shoes are consistently at the top of several of our shoe lists because of their sustainable construction (made from recycled plastic bottles), easy care, comfort and style versatility. They have a soft upper that flexes as you walk, a plush footbed and durable outsoles that can withstand lots of wear. When they get scuffed or stinky, you can just throw them in the washing machine. The Rothy's Original Slip On comes in 13 wearable colors that can be paired with everything from denim to sleek work pants. The Hoka Clifton 10 has crossover popularity with everyone from hardcore runners to podiatrists to fashion It girls. The springy outsole features comfortable rocker technology, which helps efficiently harness your gait and is especially good for those with limited ankle mobility. This style is made with breathable mesh and a gusseted tongue to enhance the shoe fit and prevent debris from sneaking its way in. The Hoka Clifton 10 comes in 11 colors, including everything from fun brights to more subdued neutrals. Veronica Beard Veronica Beard Valentina Sneaker While some fashion sneakers are showy, Veronica Beard's Valentinas are an exercise in subtle style greatness. The retro-inspired design offers a two-inch lift—think like a heel, but infinitely more comfortable—and soft suede and leather accents give these a luxe vibe. There are 11 colorways, although they sell out fast so the biggest challenge with this shoe is getting your hands on a pair. Quince's pieces are notoriously well made and affordable while also being stylish. This understated, low-top pair is made from soft Italian suede with a padded insole and cushioned arch. Wear it everywhere from off-site meetings to the boardroom to dinners out. There are so many great sneakers on the market that even our editors had a hard time choosing our favorites. The following pairs are more elevated than styles you'd sweat it out in at the gym, but they're just as comfortable. Shopbop Veja Campo Sneakers Popular with celebrities and fashion insiders alike, these Brazilian-made sneakers are crafted from soft leather and suede and come in a variety of colors—from neutrals to pastels to bold hues. They have a roomy toe box to accommodate toe splay, and the sustainable rubber outsole is sturdy and durable. Sometimes, a shoe becomes so popular that it loses its luster, but that's not the case with Adidas' Samba OG. While it was originally made for soccer players, it has become a fashion staple for basically… everyone. It features a low profile and durable gum sole, so these are wearable and they will last. Nordstrom Autry Medalist Low Sneaker Inspired by a 1980s tennis sneaker, this perforated toe design looks stylish paired with everything from dresses to denim, and it will give you endless style street cred. The only issue with these: finding them in your size. Bergdorf Goodman Golden Goose Superstar Low Top Golden Goose practically invented the fashion sneaker with its glamorous spin on low-cut basketball shoes. This style is made in Italy, distressed by hand, and it features glittery accents, making it a with dresses, skirts and other formal clothing. They are pricey, but those who love them swear that they're worth the investment—you'll reach for them so often that you'll get great cost per wear. Amazon Converse Chuck Taylor All Star If there's one sneaker that never seems to go out of style, it's Converse's Chuck Taylor All Stars. This classic comes in a variety of canvas colors, although we're partial to the white, black and grey simply because they're versatile neutrals—meaning, they go with a lot. Tuckernuck Tretorn Rawlins Sneakers Tretorn is a heritage brand that's been around since 1891, and its new spin on the classic canvas sneaker features an EcoOrtholite insole and a sturdy, stable heel. But what really sets them apart is the retro styling and the classic, crisp colorways. Amazon Vince Blair Slip On Sneaker For a sneaker that's sleek and convenient, Vince's best-selling Blair Slip On is a winner. Elastic gores ensure they slip on easily but also have a secure fit. Overall, this low-profile pair is comfortable and breaks in easily, but some say it runs wide. The Blair Slip On comes in smooth leather, suede or perforated leather that offers extra ventilation. At Forbes Vetted, our fashion team invests lots of time painstakingly researching, testing and reporting on footwear. When it comes to women's shoes, we have written about the most comfortable flats, the most comfortable heels and the most comfortable wedges, because everybody deserves to have ache-free feet in addition to stylish shoes. Forbes Vetted fashion and beauty writer Molly Calhoun reported and wrote this story. She has written about lifestyle topics for two decades and has covered the best slides for women, the best slip-on shoes and the best knee-high boots. She regularly taps a variety of stylists and podiatrists to determine key factors that impact sneaker style longevity, comfort and durability. She also shared firsthand insights on styles she has personally worn. Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung—who heads the fashion vertical—oversaw the editing of this story and gave input on her favorite sneaker styles. To determine the best sneakers for women, we considered editor recommendations, evaluated versatility and comfort, and selected pairs for different use cases. We began by looking at a wide variety of sneakers from well-known brands that are top rated for style and comfort before narrowing down our selections. We considered sneaker recommendations from our editors, and Calhoun and Sung also included personal insights. We took color options, size availability, fit, comfort and value into account. We included women's sneakers for a variety of use cases and budgets, including a slip-on style, dress sneaker and an extra cushioned pair. We evaluated hundreds of user reviews so we could add context on factors such as fit and durability. What To Look For In The Best Sneakers For Women Wearability Sneakers run the gamut from functional to fashion-forward, so you'll want to think about what works for your lifestyle—where you'll be wearing your sneakers and what you'll be wearing them with. The reality is, most of us don't have the real estate or budget for 10 different pairs of sneakers. Neutral colors will get you the most mileage because they will go with the most outfits. For an easy-on, easy-off pair, the On Cloud 6 has bungee speed laces and is versatile style-wise. If you're looking for a slip-on pair that works for everyday but is also formal enough for the office, you may want to try Rothy's The Original Slip On Sneaker. For a plush pair that can accommodate long days on your feet, the Hoka Clifton 10 is a great choice. Fit Sneakers are only comfortable if they offer a great fit, so it's a good idea to consult user reviews if you have a foot that can be hard to accommodate. Lace-up pairs typically offer the best fit because adjustable lacing offers security and stability while walking. Slip on sneakers—like the On Cloud 6—offer comfort and convenience. If you're thinking for something with a wider toe box, we like the New Balance 327. If you have wide feet, many reviewers say the Vince Blair Slip On is a good choice. Support If you'll be doing lots of walking—or you want a sneaker that'll give feet a break from uncomfortable heels—cushion and arch support are a good idea. When it comes to plush cushioning, the Hoka Clifton 10 is at the top of our list. The On Cloud 6 is beloved for its springy feel, too. But some fashion sneakers also offer a supportive wear experience, like the New Balance 327 and Veronica Beard's Valentina Sneaker. What Is The Best Brand Of Women's Sneakers? There are lots of great women's sneaker brands, but the On Cloud 6 is our pick for the best women's sneaker overall, for its comfort and style versatility. For a dressy (and budget friendly) pair, we recommend Quince's Italian Suede Everyday Sneaker. For cushioning, we like the Hoka Clifton 10. And if you're looking for something with a retro feel, we like Adidas' Stan Smith, a vintage classic. What Are The Most Comfortable Women's Sneakers? Sneaker comfort is a little different for everyone because it can depend on your foot shape, but in general, cushioning is key. Our pick for the best cushioned sneaker for women is the Hoka Clifton 10. For overall comfort—and style—we recommend the New Balance 327, which has a stable heel, it can be adjusted through the midfoot, and it has a wide forefoot that allows toes room to splay. What Is The Best Women's Sneaker For Being On Your Feet All Day? Lots of walking and standing can take its toll on your feet, joints and back. If you'll be doing lots of standing, you'll want arch support, cushion to absorb impact on joints and a breathable upper to allow feet to breathe. The Hoka Clifton 10 checks all the boxes.
The Guardian
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
How to dress better for the planet
Last year, in the interest of sustainable fashion, I joined a pledge only to buy five new pieces of clothing. Despite thinking of myself as someone who doesn't really shop, I found the restriction a real chore. Unless you're buying vintage or spending a fortune, the dilemma of how to engage in the fun and newness of fashion without contributing to its environmental footprint is, it turns out, nearly universal: data in a new report reveals 74% of people want to dress more sustainably but most don't know how to go about it. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. The report – released by multi-brand retailer Zalando – found that 39% of consumers find sustainable garments too expensive and 27% say they are hard to identify. It's little wonder sustainable fashion remains plagued by vague claims, convoluted supply chains and a call-out culture that's left brands reluctant to promote initiatives to customers on the lookout for greenwashing. 'People are more engaged than they're often given credit for,' says Pascal Brun, Zalando's vice-president of sustainability and D&I. Almost two decades after sustainable fashion entered mainstream discourse, most people have some awareness of the industry's environmental impact – carbon emissions, pollution of waterways, deforestation, microplastics, waste. They probably also know these ill effects are exacerbated by the sheer volume of product being made every year (somewhere between 80 and 150bn garments) and the increasing proportion derived from fossil-fuel based fabrics (polyester accounted for 57% of all fibres in 2024). The rising popularity of ultra-cheap, ultra-fast fashion brands such as Shein and Temu (the targets of French legislation passed last week) brings the dilemma into stark focus. Yet this new data reveals, despite everyone's best intentions, it's not clear where and how to shop with a reduced impact. So, how does one buy reasonably priced, sustainable clothes? The starting point is, of course, vintage – sales of which happily, according to ThredUp's Annual Resale Report, grew by 15% in 2024. Data from eBay suggests users search for 'vintage' items more than 1,200 times a minute. But given the constraints on sizing and the time required to sift through racks, second-hand clothing isn't always practical. When buying new clothes, context is important, says author and fashion educator Andrea Cheong. 'What is financially accessible to people is going to vary, as is what is sustainable.' So rather than focusing on brands, she suggests buying the best quality of the item your budget can accommodate. That way, you will actually wear it. To assess quality, apply three criteria. First, buy nothing that contains a synthetic or semi-synthetic blend. Second, the garment must look as good on the inside as it does on the outside (small stitches, neat seams, non-synthetic lining). And third, it must be fit for purpose (leggings that are supportive enough for a workout, coats that keep you warm, pockets deep and sturdy enough to hold your phone). Detail is your friend. Garments made from a single, natural fibre (100% cotton, linen or wool) are easier to recycle and generally more durable. If a brand is using sustainable materials, they will tell you about it – and provide the nitty-gritty; specificity is the enemy of greenwashing. Look for third-party certifications that promote safe use of chemicals including Bluesign and Oeko-Tex, or regenerative or organic farming practices such as the Responsible Wool Standard and the Global Organic Textile Standard (Gots), or the inclusion of recycled content like the Global Recycled Standard. Similarly, if a brand has engaged suppliers with closed-loop systems (to recycle water and chemicals) and renewable energy, who are paying a living wage, they will include this detail, as well – most notably – as the location of the factory on their website. This is a detail that reveals a level of trust, transparency and confidence. In addition, brands get bonus points for having repair, rental and resale programmes. When building a sustainable wardrobe, it's important to take a long view. Cheong suggests reinvesting in the clothes you already own by having them professionally altered or learning how to repair them. Sojo, for example work with brands such as M&S, Reiss and Selfridges. But this isn't always practical. When it truly is time to buy something new, there are several UK-based brands producing garments that are gentle both on your bank balance and the planet. Here are a few: Sign up to Fashion Statement Style, with substance: what's really trending this week, a roundup of the best fashion journalism and your wardrobe dilemmas solved after newsletter promotion Yes Friends This UK-based brand had one goal when they were founded: to make sustainable clothing affordable. Now they produce a range of organic cotton and linen garments in fairtrade and Gots-certified factories in India that are solar-power assisted, one of which recycles 100% of its wastewater. They have also pioneered a bonus scheme for garment workers to ensure they are well paid. T-shirts start at £12, linen dresses are from £38. Nearly New Cashmere Based in the UK, this brand produces a range of recycled cashmere vests (£95) and wraps (£85). These are sold alongside a wide range of restored second-hand cashmere T-shirts, jumpers and hoodies (£34–£280). Rapanui A surf-inspired brand producing a range of everyday clothing for men, women and children. Their materials are natural, regenerative or recycled and Oeko-Tex certified. The clothes are produced in a factory in India powered by renewable energy and closed-loop systems. Graphics are printed on demand in a facility on the Isle of Wight. They also offer a takeback programme aimed at reuse and recycling. The brands T-shirts start at £18 but are available in multi-packs for even better value. Jackets start at £60 and hoodies at £35. Noctu Noctu's simple, organic cotton pyjamas are manufactured in England. The range includes shorts, T-shirt and jumpsuits for men, women and kids that are minimal and stylish enough to wear out of the house. Shorts and T-shirts start at £35, dresses and jumpsuits cost up to £75. Kohr This made-to-order brand manufactures everything in-house from mostly undyed organic cotton, linen and bamboo sourced from Oeko-Tex-certified suppliers. Prices start at £45 for a T-shirt and go up to £205 for shirts and £130 for joggers. The prices, they say, reflect their commitment to 'macro trends that last at least 10 years'. That's fashion speak for items that won't go out of style. To read the complete version of this newsletter – complete with this week's trending topics in The Measure and your wardrobe dilemmas solved – subscribe to receive Fashion Statement in your inbox every Thursday. Got your own style question? Send it to fashionstatement@
The Guardian
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
How to dress better for the planet
Last year, in the interest of sustainable fashion, I joined a pledge only to buy five new pieces of clothing. Despite thinking of myself as someone who doesn't really shop, I found the restriction a real chore. Unless you're buying vintage or spending a fortune, the dilemma of how to engage in the fun and newness of fashion without contributing to its environmental footprint is, it turns out, nearly universal: data in a new report reveals 74% of people want to dress more sustainably but most don't know how to go about it. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. The report – released by multi-brand retailer Zalando – found that 39% of consumers find sustainable garments too expensive and 27% say they are hard to identify. It's little wonder sustainable fashion remains plagued by vague claims, convoluted supply chains and a call-out culture that's left brands reluctant to promote initiatives to customers on the lookout for greenwashing. 'People are more engaged than they're often given credit for,' says Pascal Brun, Zalando's vice-president of sustainability and D&I. Almost two decades after sustainable fashion entered mainstream discourse, most people have some awareness of the industry's environmental impact – carbon emissions, pollution of waterways, deforestation, microplastics, waste. They probably also know these ill effects are exacerbated by the sheer volume of product being made every year (somewhere between 80 and 150bn garments) and the increasing proportion derived from fossil-fuel based fabrics (polyester accounted for 57% of all fibres in 2024). The rising popularity of ultra-cheap, ultra-fast fashion brands such as Shein and Temu (the targets of French legislation passed last week) brings the dilemma into stark focus. Yet this new data reveals, despite everyone's best intentions, it's not clear where and how to shop with a reduced impact. So, how does one buy reasonably priced, sustainable clothes? The starting point is, of course, vintage – sales of which happily, according to ThredUp's Annual Resale Report, grew by 15% in 2024. Data from eBay suggests users search for 'vintage' items more than 1,200 times a minute. But given the constraints on sizing and the time required to sift through racks, second-hand clothing isn't always practical. When buying new clothes, context is important, says author and fashion educator Andrea Cheong. 'What is financially accessible to people is going to vary, as is what is sustainable.' So rather than focusing on brands, she suggests buying the best quality of the item your budget can accommodate. That way, you will actually wear it. To assess quality, apply three criteria. First, buy nothing that contains a synthetic or semi-synthetic blend. Second, the garment must look as good on the inside as it does on the outside (small stitches, neat seams, non-synthetic lining). And third, it must be fit for purpose (leggings that are supportive enough for a workout, coats that keep you warm, pockets deep and sturdy enough to hold your phone). Detail is your friend. Garments made from a single, natural fibre (100% cotton, linen or wool) are easier to recycle and generally more durable. If a brand is using sustainable materials, they will tell you about it – and provide the nitty-gritty; specificity is the enemy of greenwashing. Look for third-party certifications that promote safe use of chemicals including Bluesign and Oeko-Tex, or regenerative or organic farming practices such as the Responsible Wool Standard and the Global Organic Textile Standard (Gots), or the inclusion of recycled content like the Global Recycled Standard. Similarly, if a brand has engaged suppliers with closed-loop systems (to recycle water and chemicals) and renewable energy, who are paying a living wage, they will include this detail, as well – most notably – as the location of the factory on their website. This is a detail that reveals a level of trust, transparency and confidence. In addition, brands get bonus points for having repair, rental and resale programmes. When building a sustainable wardrobe, it's important to take a long view. Cheong suggests reinvesting in the clothes you already own by having them professionally altered or learning how to repair them. Sojo, for example work with brands such as M&S, Reiss and Selfridges. But this isn't always practical. When it truly is time to buy something new, there are several UK-based brands producing garments that are gentle both on your bank balance and the planet. Here are a few: Sign up to Fashion Statement Style, with substance: what's really trending this week, a roundup of the best fashion journalism and your wardrobe dilemmas solved after newsletter promotion Yes Friends This UK-based brand had one goal when they were founded: to make sustainable clothing affordable. Now they produce a range of organic cotton and linen garments in fairtrade and Gots-certified factories in India that are solar-power assisted, one of which recycles 100% of its wastewater. They have also pioneered a bonus scheme for garment workers to ensure they are well paid. T-shirts start at £12, linen dresses are from £38. Nearly New Cashmere Based in the UK, this brand produces a range of recycled cashmere vests (£95) and wraps (£85). These are sold alongside a wide range of restored second-hand cashmere T-shirts, jumpers and hoodies (£34–£280). Rapanui A surf-inspired brand producing a range of everyday clothing for men, women and children. Their materials are natural, regenerative or recycled and Oeko-Tex certified. The clothes are produced in a factory in India powered by renewable energy and closed-loop systems. Graphics are printed on demand in a facility on the Isle of Wight. They also offer a takeback programme aimed at reuse and recycling. The brands T-shirts start at £18 but are available in multi-packs for even better value. Jackets start at £60 and hoodies at £35. Noctu Noctu's simple, organic cotton pyjamas are manufactured in England. The range includes shorts, T-shirt and jumpsuits for men, women and kids that are minimal and stylish enough to wear out of the house. Shorts and T-shirts start at £35, dresses and jumpsuits cost up to £75. Kohr This made-to-order brand manufactures everything in-house from mostly undyed organic cotton, linen and bamboo sourced from Oeko-Tex-certified suppliers. Prices start at £45 for a T-shirt and go up to £205 for shirts and £130 for joggers. The prices, they say, reflect their commitment to 'macro trends that last at least 10 years'. That's fashion speak for items that won't go out of style. To read the complete version of this newsletter – complete with this week's trending topics in The Measure and your wardrobe dilemmas solved – subscribe to receive Fashion Statement in your inbox every Thursday. Got your own style question? Send it to fashionstatement@
ABC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
The age of Anna Wintour
As US Vogue editor-in-chief, Dame Anna Wintour forever changed the fashion industry. But her enigmatic leadership saw her influence stretch beyond the magazine's pages. For years, Dame Anna Wintour was an impenetrable force. In the front row of any fashion show that mattered, Anna Wintour watched the runway, her eyes shielded from nervous designers whose livelihoods depended on what she printed. She transcended the realm of fashion to become an icon in her own right – thanks in part to a helping hand from Hollywood. "Across more than three decades' worth of issues of Vogue and its spinoffs, she has defined not only fashion but also beauty standards, telling millions of people what to buy, how to look, and who to care about," wrote fashion journalist Amy Odell in Anna: The Biography. But even Odell, who interviewed hundreds of people about Anna Wintour, was taken aback at the complexity of her subject. "People couldn't agree on many things about her, including whether she's an introvert or an extrovert, ruthless or just very demanding," Odell said on reflection. "I couldn't get a consensus." Now, as she steps down as editor of US Vogue after almost 40 years in the role, one thing seems clear: her legacy is as astonishing as her rise. Like father, like daughter Journalism was omnipresent in Anna Wintour's upbringing. Her father, Charles Wintour, was the editor of the British newspaper The Evening Standard. Charles Wintour was the editor of the Evening Standard for over a decade. ( Getty Images via Evening Standard Archive ) The Evening Standard office on election night in 1959. ( Getty Images: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive ) Anna Wintour's mother, Eleanor "Nonie" Baker, was also a reporter for a brief period. Two of their five children would go on to work in media – Anna Wintour at Vogue, with Patrick Wintour becoming The Guardian's diplomatic editor. Even her step-mother, Audrey Slaughter, was a pioneering magazine editor. As as respected newspaper editor, Charles Wintour's leadership style earned him the nickname "Chilly Charlie". "He came from quite a Victorian upbringing, I'm not sure his mother ever spoke to him," Anna Wintour recalled in the landmark documentary The September Issue. "He was also very private and very, in some ways, inscrutable." It was Charles Wintour who decided his daughter should work in fashion. "I can't remember what form it was I had to fill out. Maybe it was an admissions thing. At the bottom it said 'career objectives' and I said 'What shall I do? How shall I fill this out?' Anna Wintour. ( Getty Images: Melodie Jeng/WireImage ) "And he said, 'Well, you write that you want to be the editor of Vogue, of course.'" Anna Wintour came of age in the 60s amid miniskirts, the pill and Beatle-mania. "Growing up in London in the 60s, you'd have to be walking around with Irving Penn's sack over your head not to know something extraordinary was happening in fashion," she once said. Predictably, she worked in a clothing boutique and enrolled in fashion classes. Unpredictably, she quickly dropped out. Jerry Oppenheimer, who authored the unauthorised biography Front Row, wrote that Anna Wintour's attitude at the time was: "You either know fashion or you don't." It was in the 70s when she would get her foot in the door, becoming one of the first editorial assistants of Harper's & Queen. A young Anna attends a Yves Saint Laurent show in 1972. ( Getty Images: Reginald Gray/WWD/Penske Media ) But London was never the end goal. After moving to New York City, she became a junior fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar in 1975 – but was fired nine months later. She scored a job at Viva before the publication went bust only years later, then became the fashion editor for a new magazine called Savvy. By the early 80s, she became the fashion editor at New York magazine. But Condé Nast came calling, and two years later she joined the media giant as Vogue's first creative director. 'Nuclear Wintour' When Anna Wintour joined Vogue, Grace Mirabella had been editor-in-chief for 12 years. She loved the colour beige, and incorporated it in both her wardrobe and office decor. Grace Mirabella at the Yves Saint Laurent couture show in 1974. ( Pierre Schermann/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images ) Grace Mirabella at Paris Fashion Week in 1972. ( Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty Images ) Grace Mirabella sitting front row alongside Countess Consuelo Crespi. ( Pierre Schermann/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images ) But Anna Wintour's arrival wasn't the first time these two titans had met. Back when Anna Wintour was making her mark at New York magazine, one of Mirabella's fashion editors, Polly Mellen, organised a meeting between the pair. Vogue was doing the numbers, but could Anna Wintour give it some extra spice? The meeting came to an abrupt end when Mirabella asked her what job she would like at Vogue, to which Anna Wintour replied: "Yours." The newly established role of creative director came with a layer of vagueness, which Anna Wintour used to her advantage. She was second in command, tasked with "enriching the looks of the pages". In her memoir, Mirabella wrote that Anna Wintour would "go behind my back and redo layouts, bringing new art, circumvent me and my fashion editors". She described Anna Wintour's tenure under her as "a very bizarre three years during which Anna created a kind of office within the office, working with Alex Liberman, with fashion editor Polly Mellen, with Jade Hobson, and against me". Anna Wintour and Condé Nast owner SI Newhouse party in 1990. ( Getty Images: Sonia Moskowitz ) Two years after joining Conde Nast, Anna Wintour took over British Vogue when Beatrix Miller retired in 1985. As editor she replaced multiple staff members and exerted more control than any of her predecessors. Like her father, she earned a frosty nickname – "Nuclear Wintour". Years later, she would address the label in a rare interview with 60 Minutes. "If I'm such a bitch then they must really be a glutton for punishment, because they're still here," she said. "If one comes across as sometimes being cold or brusque, it's simply because I'm striving for the best." In 1987, Anna Wintour returned to New York City with the task of revitalising Home & Garden in a bid to compete with rival publication Architectural Digest. She reportedly cancelled $2 million worth of shoots in her first week, and made the publication nearly unrecognisable to readers after shortening the title to HG. Subscriptions declined. Advertisers pulled out. While some would be shown the door, gossip columnists proclaimed Anna Wintour had "failed upwards". Because try as she might to ignore the constant swirl of rumours, Mirabella's own demise was hurtling towards her. By the late 80s, Mirabella was perceived as "out of step with the times" as the younger, fresher Elle magazine gained ground. In 1988, Conde Nast owner Si Newhouse sensationally ousted Mirabella. Instantly, Anna Wintour was the editor of Vogue. The winds of change Anna Wintour's first Vogue cover made history for one clear reason – the model was wearing jeans. November 1988 marked Anna Wintour's first issue as Vogue editor. ( Vogue Archive ) Her debut featured model Michaela Bercu walking in the New York City sunlight, her eyes nearly closed as the wind fanned her blonde hair around her smiling face. "It was so unlike the studied and elegant close-ups that were typical of Vogue's covers back then, with tons of makeup and major jewelry. This one broke all the rules," she reflected in Vogue in 2012. The cover was so different from previous issues that the magazine's printers called asking if there had been a mistake. "I had just looked at that picture and sensed the winds of change. And you can't ask for more from a cover image than that," she wrote. One of Grace Mirabella's last Vogue issues from 1988. ( Vogue Archive ) While supermodels such as Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington regularly graced the cover of Vogue, Anna Wintour ushered in an era of celebrity worship. "Anna saw the celebrity thing coming way before everybody else jumped on that bandwagon," Vogue's then creative director Grace Coddington said in The September Issue. "And, you know, whilst I hated it, I'm afraid I have to admit she was right." As Vogue editor, Anna Wintour earned a reputation for being as inscrutable as her father – or perhaps more. "I think she enjoys not being completely approachable," Coddington said. "Just her office is very intimidating. You have to walk about a mile into the office before you get to her desk. And I'm sure it's intentional." Grace Coddington and Anna Wintour attend Calvin Klein's 1997 ready-to-wear show. ( Getty Images: John Calabrese/Penske Media ) Grace Coddington and Anna Wintour view a Marc Jacobs collection in 1994. ( Getty images: Eric Weiss/WWD ) Like Coddington, André Leon Talley worked alongside Anna Wintour for decades as the magazine's editor-at-large. "She is not a person who is going to show you her emotions – ever," he said in The September Issue. "She's like a doctor, she's looking at your work. It's like a medical analysis. Some of us can't cope with that. We need to be loved." Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley in 1996. ( Getty Images: Evan Agostini/Liaison ) Anna Wintour has previously admitted she was not academically successful, revealing perhaps she spent "a lot of my career trying to make up for that". But she is certain about one piece of advice she learnt from her father. "People respond well to someone who is sure of what they want." 'Sheer brute force' At Vogue, Coddington and Talley each had complicated relationships with Anna Wintour. "I know when to stop pushing her. She doesn't know when to stop pushing me," Coddington said. In his memoir, published two years before his death, Talley detailed the breakdown of their relationship after Amma Wintour retired him as the Met Gala's live stream correspondent and instead bestowed the role to a YouTuber. "I have huge psychological scars from my relationship with this towering woman who can sit by the queen of England, on the front row of a fashion show, in her dark glasses and perfect Louise Brooks clipped coiffure, framing her Mona Lisa mystery face. Who is she?" he wrote. Queen Elizabeth II joined Anna Wintour at Richard Quinn's 2018 show in London. ( Getty Images: Yui Mok ) "What drives Anna is a sense of her own ability to survive as a powerbroker, with sheer brute force, and to sustain an extraordinary level of success." Praise from Anna Wintour wasn't entirely unattainable – but it was concise. Her seal of approval on the final copy of Vogue articles was a Post-It stuck to the bottom of a printout simply reading "AWOK" – Anna Wintour OK. "Whisper the phrase, 'You've been Awok'd' into the ear of an unsuspecting Vogue staffer, and he or she is likely to breathe a heavy sigh of relief, or maybe even bust out a happy dance, with hands raised in the air," Vogue writer Chioma Nnadi revealed in 2017. AWOK or not, one of Anna Wintour's former assistants turned her experience into a novel, with Laura Weisberger writing The Devil Wears Prada in 2003. The novel, which follows a young woman hired as the assistant to a demeaning and demanding fashion editor – became a best seller and inspired the film of the same name. When the elevator doors slid open to reveal Meryl Streep as the frosty editor, complete with dark sunglasses and pursed lips, it solidified Anna Wintour's icon status in the pantheon of pop culture. The first Monday in May The Met Gala as we know it today wasn't always the biggest night on the fashion calendar, nor did it garner more attention and cultural significance than the Academy Awards. In its first incarnation, the Met Gala was a simple midnight supper for New York's elite held in a bid to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's struggling Costume Institute. The event started in the 40s with socialite Eleanor Lambert as its driving force. Diana Vreeland and Yves Saint Laurent at the 1983 Met Gala. ( Getty Images: Sonia Moskowitz ) Cher and designer Bob Mackie in 1985. ( Getty Images: Ron Galella ) Diana Vreeland's 10th Met Gala in 1981. ( Getty Images: Fairchild Archive/Penske Media ) But it was brought to life in spectacular fashion in the 70s by then-Vogue editor Diana Vreeland. The Met Gala gauntlet was then passed to Anna Wintour in 1995, seven years into her tenure. US media have reported she will remain as editorial director at Vogue and global chief content officer at Conde Nast. It's unknown yet how this news could affect her legacy at the Met Gala. Zendaya attends the Met Gala in 2024. ( Getty Images: Neilson Barnard ) Under Anna Wintour, the Met Gala embraced celebrity culture more than ever before. Andre Leon Talley described the event as "the Super Bowl of social fashion events" through the way it brings together the biggest names from sport, politics, business and social media. While tickets once cost $50, brands now fork out hundreds of thousands of dollars to book a single table. Undoubtedly, Anna Wintour transformed the Met Gala as a money-making machine for the Costume Institute, Vogue and the industries it feeds. In her role at the helm of the Met Gala, Anna Wintour has raised over $US250 million for the Costume Institute. "It just grew over the years. I can't pretend there was a grand plan or a grand strategy," she once said. Over the course of her record tenure, Anna Wintour came under fire for what featured in the pages of Vogue and what didn't. "Nobody was wearing fur until she put it on the cover in the early 1990s", Vogue's Tom Florio once said. "She ignited the entire industry." Anna Wintour was frequently targeted by animal rights groups for making fur fashionable and said she had "lost count" of the amount of times she had been physically attacked by activists. After a tofu pie was lobbed her way outside a Chanel show in Paris in 2005, she was asked what she would do following the incident and reportedly replied: "Wear more fur." Anna Wintour at New York Fashion Week in 2012. ( Getty Images: Neilson Barnard ) Anna Wintour's remarks around weight also caused controversy on more than one occasion. Andre Leon Talley revealed on the Oprah Winfrey Show that Anna Wintour had demanded he lose weight. "Most of the Vogue girls are so thin, tremendously thin, because Miss Anna don't like fat people," he said. In The September Issue, after Coddington asks the documentary's camera operator to be involved in one of the glossy spreads, Anna Wintour told him he they would need to photoshop his stomach. But it was in the summer of 2020 when Conde Nast faced a reckoning. After George Floyd's death at the hands of police sparked nation-wide unrest and protests, she apologised to staff for "publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant". In the company wide memo, Anna Wintour admitted there were too few employees of colour and took full responsibility for mistakes made. "I want to say plainly that I know Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators." When her father, Charles, retired from newspaper publishing, she asked why he was leaving. "He was obviously so passionate about what he was doing, and he said 'Well, I get too angry,'" she said. "So I think when I find myself getting really, really angry that it might be time to stop." Anna Wintour is seen, outside Gucci, during Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2019, on September 24, 2018 in Paris, France. ( Getty Images: Edward Berthelot ) Anna Wintour's replacement is yet to be announced. Yet she is likely the last of her kind. Anna Wintour is seen, outside Gucci, during Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2019, on September 24, 2018 in Paris, France. ( Getty Images: Edward Berthelot ) While issues will still be printed and newsstands will still be stocked, digital content has disrupted traditional media. And it is unlikely we will ever see another singular gatekeeper of fashion with as much global influence as Anna Wintour.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Anna Wintour to step down as US Vogue editor after 37 years
Anna Wintour is stepping down from her role as American Vogue's editor-in-chief after 37 years, the Times of London has reported. Ms Wintour announced her decision in a staff meeting yesterday. She said the Condé Nast publication is seeking a new head of American editorial content. The person filling the newly created position will take over daily editing duties of a magazine that's considered a trendsetter in the fashion industry. READ MORE Ms Wintour, who serves as chief content officer for Condé Nast and global editorial director of Vogue , took on expanded duties after a company reorganisation four years ago, the company said in an email. Other markets, including Japan, the UK and France, already have appointed dedicated heads of editorial content. She has been a force in the fashion industry for decades, with her steely presence in the front row of fashion shows from the world's top designers. Her look and demeanour largely inspired the editor-in-chief character in the book and movie The Devil Wears Prada. The magazine's autumn fashion edition was the subject of a 2009 documentary, The September Issue. As Condé Nast's chief content officer, Ms Wintour oversees every brand globally - including Wired, Vanity Fair, GQ, AD, Condé Nast Traveler, Glamour, Bon Appétit, Tatler, World of Interiors, Allure and more, with the exception of the New Yorker. They're all part of the Newhouse family's media empire.
