Anna Wintour

Anna Wintour is a legendary figure in the world of fashion, known for her sharp editorial eye and iconic personal style. Born in London, England, she grew up in a family deeply engaged in journalism; her father, Charles Wintour, was the editor of The Evening Standard. With an early interest in fashion, Wintour began her career in the 1970s as an editorial assistant at Harper’s & Queen in London. She quickly rose through the ranks of the fashion media world, holding positions at publications like Harper’s Bazaar, Viva, and New York magazine, where her unique vision began to take shape.

In 1988, Wintour became the editor-in-chief of Vogue, transforming the magazine into a cultural powerhouse. Her bold approach included featuring unconventional cover stars, blending high fashion with street style, and championing emerging designers. Under her leadership, Vogue has maintained its position as the authoritative voice in fashion, art, and culture, influencing trends and shaping the careers of countless designers, photographers, and models. Wintour’s sharp business acumen also played a pivotal role in expanding the brand’s global reach through digital innovation and special editions of the magazine.

Known for her signature bob haircut and dark sunglasses, Wintour has a reputation for being both exacting and visionary. Her influence extends beyond the pages of Vogue. As the artistic director of Condé Nast, a position she has held since 2013, Wintour oversees some of the most prestigious magazines in the world. She is also the chair of the annual Met Gala, one of the most exclusive and glamorous events in the fashion world, which raises millions of dollars for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. She serves as an Elective Trustee of the institution. She is also a Founding Committee Member for the New York-Presbyterian Youth Anxiety Center, which focuses on anxiety disorders in people aged 16–28.

Wintour’s career has not been without controversy. Her high standards and decisive leadership style have earned her a reputation as a demanding boss, a persona famously immortalized in the novel and subsequent film "The Devil Wears Prada." However, her critics and admirers alike acknowledge her unwavering commitment to excellence and her profound impact on the fashion industry.

Throughout her career, Wintour has also been a strong advocate for social causes. She has supported numerous philanthropic efforts, including raising funds for AIDS research, promoting diversity in fashion, and championing sustainability in the industry. She is the recipient of numerous awards on this front, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Award of Courage for AIDS Research from the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR).

Wintour’s legacy is one of innovation, resilience, and unparalleled influence. In 2017, for her service to British journalism and fashion, she was named Dame Commander (DBE) of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. In 2011, Wintour was awarded the Légion d’Honneur by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. In October 2009, President Obama appointed Wintour to the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Still a global tastemaker, she remains a transformative force in fashion and was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden in 2025.