NEW YORK — In a highly anticipated and significant move in the fashion world, Chloe Malle has been named the new top editor at American Vogue, stepping into a role previously held for 37 years by the legendary Dame Anna Wintour. Malle’s appointment, announced by the publication’s parent company, Condé Nast, signals a new era for one of the world’s most influential and glamorous fashion magazines. The 39-year-old, who is the daughter of actress Candice Bergen, has steadily worked her way up through the ranks over the past 14 years.
A New Era for an Influential Publication
For nearly four decades, Anna Wintour was the singular force behind American Vogue, solidifying its reputation as a cultural touchstone that extended far beyond the realm of fashion. Her tenure was defined by her meticulous control, her iconic bob haircut, and her unmatched influence, often seen at the helm of the annual Met Gala. With her departure from the day-to-day editorial leadership, the fashion industry has been watching closely to see who would be chosen to guide the magazine into its next chapter. Malle’s appointment, effective immediately, marks a crucial transition. While the storied “editor-in-chief” title has been retired for this role, the new position as head of editorial content at American Vogue carries the same immense weight. The move is also part of a broader corporate restructuring at the global publishing giant, as outlined on the Condé Nast website, which has consolidated leadership roles and shifted titles across its various brands.
From Social Editor to the Top Seat
Malle’s career path at Vogue is a testament to her rise from the ranks. She began her career covering real estate for the New York Observer, a detail that highlights her journalistic rather than fashion-centric background. Her foray into the fashion world was initially hesitant. As she told the publication Into the Gloss in 2013, she had to overcome her own reservations about entering the industry.
“I was hesitant when I was interviewing, because fashion is not one of my main interests in life, and I wanted to be a writer more than an editor, but I was so seduced by the Vogue machine that I couldn’t resist,” Malle said.
Since joining the magazine in 2011, she quickly proved her value. She started as a social editor and has since contributed to a wide range of features, including high-profile weddings and travel pieces. She was most recently the editor of Vogue.com and co-hosted the magazine’s popular podcast, “The Run-Through with Vogue,” where she has demonstrated her ability to connect with audiences in a more personal format. Her work has included securing the magazine’s exclusive photoshoot with Naomi Biden for her 2022 White House wedding and an interview with Lauren Sanchez ahead of her wedding to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. These high-profile assignments underscored her ability to blend traditional journalism with celebrity culture and digital-age content.
Blurring the Lines of Fashion and Politics
Like her predecessor, Malle has not shied away from using her platform to express her political views. Both on social media and on her podcast, she has openly supported Democratic causes and candidates. During a 2024 episode of her podcast, which aired after Donald Trump was re-elected as US president, Malle expressed her clear disappointment with the election results. This aligns with the path Wintour herself carved, as the former editor was a significant political figure, often using Vogue to endorse candidates and highlight political issues. This fusion of fashion, celebrity, and politics has become a defining characteristic of the magazine, and Malle’s past actions suggest that the publication will continue to engage with the political landscape.
An Unclear Transition
While Malle’s appointment marks a definitive change, the transition from Wintour to her successor is not a clean break. The 75-year-old Wintour will not be leaving Condé Nast entirely. She will retain her role as the company’s global chief content officer, a position she was appointed to in 2020. This means Wintour will continue to oversee content for Vogue, along with other major titles like GQ, Wired, and Tatler. The arrangement suggests that while Malle will manage the day-to-day operations of American Vogue, Wintour will still hold ultimate oversight, creating a unique and watched dynamic within the publishing company.