Who Is Anna Wintour - And Why She's Stepping Down as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue

Now, after 37 years in the role, she’s stepping down. The announcement shocked the media world—but perhaps it was inevitable.

This article dives into who Anna Wintour is, her life and legacy, and the real reasons behind her exit.

Anna Wintour announces she's quit iconic Vogue role after 37 years

The Woman Behind the Sunglasses

Anna Wintour was born on November 3, 1949, in Hampstead, London. She is the daughter of Charles Wintour, the influential editor of the Evening Standard, and Eleanor Trego Baker, a philanthropist. Journalism and culture ran through her family’s veins.

From an early age, she rejected convention. At 15, she cut her hair into a bob—a look she has never changed—and began working at a London boutique. Her future was already in motion.

Education and Early Interests

Anna attended North London Collegiate School, a prestigious all-girls school. While academically capable, she found traditional education uninspiring. She left Queen’s College, London, before graduation and pursued fashion instead.

Family and Personal Life

Despite her public persona as fashion's most formidable editor, Anna Wintour's personal life has been shaped by deep family ties, selective privacy, and carefully maintained boundaries between work and home.

Roots in Journalism and Culture

Wintour was born into a legacy of media influence. Her father, Charles Wintour, served as editor of the Evening Standard and was known for modernizing British journalism. He reportedly supported her career path early on, often encouraging ambition and professional discipline. Her mother, Eleanor Trego Baker, was an American philanthropist who instilled a sense of social responsibility and independence.

Anna was one of five children. Among her siblings, Patrick Wintour became diplomatic editor for The Guardian, underscoring how journalism runs in the family. Their upbringing in a highly literate, politically aware household no doubt contributed to Anna's sharp editorial instincts and global cultural awareness.

Marriage and Children

In 1984, Wintour married Dr. David Shaffer, a respected child psychiatrist and academic. Shaffer, a professor at Columbia University, was known for his work in adolescent suicide prevention and child development. Their marriage lasted until 1999, a union that friends and insiders describe as “professionally respectful but emotionally distant.”

The couple had two children:

• Charles "Charlie" Shaffer was born in 1985. He graduated from Yale and Columbia Medical School, becoming a child psychiatrist like his father. Though he has stayed out of the media spotlight, he is said to share his mother’s drive and quiet intensity.

• Katherine “Bee” Shaffer, born in 1987, took a more creative path. She worked as a producer on late-night television and gained media attention in her own right, not just for her career, but also for her polished style and frequent appearances at high-profile fashion events alongside her mother. In 2018, Bee married Francesco Carrozzini, an Italian director and the son of the late Franca Sozzani, former editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia. Their wedding united two of the most influential fashion dynasties of the modern era.

While Anna is notoriously guarded about her private life, she has expressed maternal pride in interviews and has been seen frequently supporting Bee at events. She reportedly once said, “My children are my greatest achievement,” a rare glimpse into her emotional world.

Romantic Life and Public Speculation

After her divorce, Wintour entered a long-term relationship with Shelby Bryan, a Texas-born telecom executive and former investment banker. Bryan was often seen at her side at the Met Gala and Wimbledon, blending seamlessly into her high-society circle. Their relationship, which lasted roughly two decades, was known for its discretion.

Rumors of a breakup circulated in 2020 after Bryan was increasingly absent from public events, and sources close to the couple later confirmed they had separated. Despite their split, Wintour never addressed the matter publicly. True to form, she kept her private life behind closed doors.

Though she has been linked to others socially, Anna remains single as of 2025. She lives primarily in a townhouse in Greenwich Village, with a secondary home on Long Island, where she escapes for weekends and holidays. Friends describe her as warm and loyal in private, though fiercely selective about whom she lets into her inner circle.

Work-Life Balance and Personal Habits

Wintour is known for her extraordinary discipline. She rises before dawn, plays an hour of tennis each morning, and arrives at the office by 7:30 a.m. Her schedule is tightly regimented, with every meeting timed to the minute. She is said to never take a lunch break, preferring a high-protein meal at her desk, and she leaves most events shortly after they begin.

Yet those close to her say she is a surprisingly attentive mother and friend. Former colleagues recall that she never missed her children's school events, often flying back from fashion weeks or galas to attend parent-teacher conferences and birthdays. Her ability to maintain this duality—of absolute control in the workplace and intentional care at home—sets her apart in an industry known for burnout and imbalance.

Inner Circle and Chosen Family

Anna’s closest relationships are often built through loyalty and shared ambition. Over the years, her inner circle has included designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs, editors like Grace Coddington and André Leon Talley, and public figures such as Serena Williams and Roger Federer. These friendships often blur the line between professional and personal, but Wintour is known to value long-term trust above all.

She also maintains strong ties with cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the CFDA, where her influence extends beyond publishing into philanthropy, education, and institutional leadership.

Anna Wintour

Building a Fashion Empire: Anna’s Rise

Wintour’s career started in London with Harper’s & Queen in 1970. By 1975, she had moved to New York and worked at Harper’s Bazaar, then New York Magazine. Her drive and editorial instinct stood out immediately.

In 1983, she joined Vogue as Creative Director. Two years later, she returned to London to lead British Vogue. In 1988, she became Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue—a position she held until 2025.

From the moment she stepped in, she shook up the status quo. Her very first cover featured Israeli model Michaela Bercu in a Christian Lacroix jacket paired with Guess jeans—a sharp departure from the high-gloss, posed covers of the past. It was a declaration: fashion was no longer only about elitism; it was about energy and the street.

Transforming Vogue’s Voice

Under Wintour, Vogue became more than a fashion magazine—it became a cultural force. She championed new designers like Marc Jacobs and John Galliano, featured celebrities on covers (a controversial shift at the time), and created new spin-offs like Teen Vogue and Men’s Vogue.

She also revolutionized The September Issue, turning it into the fashion world’s bible. The 2007 issue ran over 800 pages and became the subject of a hit documentary.

In 2013, Wintour expanded her role to become Artistic Director for all of Condé Nast. By 2020, she became Global Chief Content Officer, overseeing editorial content across Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, Wired, and other titles worldwide.

The Style and Persona

Anna Wintour’s icy persona and impeccable style—structured Chanel suits, oversized sunglasses, Manolo Blahnik heels—helped build her mystique. Nicknamed “Nuclear Wintour” for her demanding standards and no-nonsense attitude, she is both feared and respected in equal measure.

Her daily routine is famously disciplined. She wakes up at 5:30 a.m. to play tennis, arrives at her office by 7:30 a.m., and rarely stays at parties past 9 p.m. Her diet is minimalist and protein-focused—typically steak or salmon with caprese salad. She doesn’t linger, doesn’t lose focus, and doesn’t waste time.

Controversies and Criticisms

Wintour has not escaped criticism. Activists targeted her for supporting fur fashion. She’s been called out for lacking diversity on Vogue’s covers and staff. During the social justice uprisings of 2020, some former staff accused her of promoting a narrow, exclusionary vision of beauty and style.

She issued an internal apology to Condé Nast employees, acknowledging that the magazine had not done enough to elevate diverse voices. Since then, she has publicly championed diversity in fashion—but not without skepticism.

There have also been internal power struggles. Wintour’s leadership style—precise, centralized, and sometimes autocratic—has sparked debate inside Condé Nast as the company tries to modernize for a digital-first era.

Net Worth and Financial Power

Wintour’s wealth is estimated to exceed $35 million. Her salary at Condé Nast is rumored to be well over $2 million annually, not including perks like clothing allowances, chauffeured cars, and housing support.

She owns multiple properties, including a townhouse in Greenwich Village and a country home in Long Island. Her net worth also includes long-standing relationships with designers, advertisers, and fashion houses that give her enormous soft power.

Why She's Stepping Down After 37 Years

Why Anna Wintour is stepping down as Vogue editor-in-chief

The official announcement came in June 2025: Anna Wintour will step down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, but remain Global Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast. Why now? Several key reasons underpin the decision.

1. The Globalization of Vogue

Since 2020, Wintour has led editorial direction for all editions of Vogue worldwide. That includes British Vogue, Vogue Paris, Vogue India, and many more. The consolidation of power required her to step back from day-to-day responsibilities at the U.S. edition to better manage the brand globally.

By stepping down from one title, she frees herself to oversee all of them more effectively.

2. A Carefully Orchestrated Succession Plan

Wintour has always been strategic about legacy. There’s been ongoing speculation about who will succeed her—candidates reportedly include Chioma Nnadi (editor of British Vogue) and Edward Enninful (now Condé Nast’s global creative advisor).

Insiders suggest Wintour played a major role in shaping the transition, ensuring the brand’s values and identity continue without her direct hand on the wheel.

3. Shifting Priorities at Condé Nast

Condé Nast has changed dramatically in the last decade. The print empire has downsized, and digital engagement, video, and commerce are now top priorities. Wintour has played a leading role in that shift, but change at this scale needs focus. Letting go of one title allows her to go deeper on transformation strategy across platforms.

4. Personal Reflection and Timing

At 75, Wintour remains sharp and active, but this move signals a more measured pace. After nearly four decades in one role, she may be looking for greater flexibility, fewer public demands, and more time to mentor the next generation or pursue personal interests.

What Comes Next

While she’s leaving American Vogue, Wintour is not disappearing. She will continue to hold two of the most powerful positions in fashion media: Global Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of Vogue.

She will also remain heavily involved in the annual Met Gala, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, and key strategic editorial decisions across the company.

There is speculation she may write a memoir, executive-produce fashion content for film and streaming, or even play a behind-the-scenes kingmaker role in international fashion and politics.

Her Enduring Legacy

Few people have defined a magazine—and an era—the way Anna Wintour has. Her visual authority, her ability to dictate trends before they break, and her role in turning editors into icons changed media forever.

From discovering unknown designers to influencing the red carpet and politics, she shaped culture at the highest level. Under her leadership, Vogue remained a bible for both the runway and the zeitgeist.

And she did it her way: precise, focused, unapologetic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Anna Wintour?

Anna Wintour is a British-American journalist and editor who served as the Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue for 37 years. She is one of the most influential figures in the global fashion industry.

Why is Anna Wintour stepping down from Vogue?

She is stepping down to focus on her broader role as Global Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast. This allows her to guide strategy across all global editions of Vogue and other major titles.

Is Anna Wintour retiring?

No. While she is leaving her position at American Vogue, she remains highly active at Condé Nast in a global leadership role.

Who will replace Anna Wintour at Vogue?

An official successor has not been named, but candidates include Chioma Nnadi and Edward Enninful. Wintour has reportedly had input in the transition planning.

What is Anna Wintour’s net worth?

Her net worth is estimated to be over $35 million, stemming from her long career, executive roles, and extensive industry connections.

Does Anna Wintour still run the Met Gala?

Yes. She remains the key figure behind the Met Gala and continues to co-chair the event annually.

What will Anna Wintour do next?

In addition to her Condé Nast leadership roles, she may write a memoir, expand her philanthropy, or work on high-profile creative projects.

Final Thoughts

Anna Wintour’s exit from Vogue’s top post is the end of a chapter, not the end of her influence. Her decision reflects strategy, not retreat. She’s moving from hands-on editorial work to big-picture brand leadership across continents.

In doing so, she ensures the next generation will inherit a Vogue shaped by her vision, but free to evolve for what’s next.

Anna Wintour isn’t stepping back—she’s stepping forward. Just in a different direction.

Who Is Blaise Metreveli? First Female ‘C’ of MI6: Biography, Family, Education In June 2025, the United Kingdom made history: Blaise Florence Metreveli was named the first female Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), the spy agency ...

First Photo Released: Who Is the Suspect in the Santa Monica Police Officer Shooting? This article breaks down everything known so far about the suspect, the officer’s condition, and what happens next as police work to locate and apprehend ...

Who Is Sarah Jacas? Florida Teacher Accused of Lunchtime Classroom Sex with Student Sarah Jacas, a 32-year-old Florida middle school teacher, has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old student on campus. Full case details, legal ...

Who Is Rama Duwaji? Meet Zohran Mamdani’s Wife and the Syrian Artist Redefining NYC Politics Who is Rama Duwaji? Let’s dive into her journey, her art, her voice—and how she’s shaping one of America’s most watched campaigns.