Anna Wintour as Vogue Icon
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In this episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, David Remnick interviews Anna Wintour, the iconic editorial director of Vogue and chief content officer of Condé Nast, shortly after she announced her transition from leading American Vogue to a new role as editorial director of Vogue Editions Worldwide. Wintour reflects on her long tenure, her decision to step down from the American edition, and her confidence in her successor, Chloe Dao, whom she praises for her originality, cultural awareness, and balanced perspective. The conversation explores the evolving role of print in the digital age, the democratization of fashion through social media, and the importance of creativity over luxury. Wintour also discusses her personal journey—from a childhood aspiration to edit Vogue to overcoming professional setbacks like being fired from Harper's Bazaar—and shares insights into her daily routine, leadership philosophy, and views on fashion as a form of self-expression and cultural commentary. She reflects on the legacy of The Devil Wears Prada, her political engagement, and the changing landscape of fashion with a new generation of young, diverse designers reshaping major houses.
Wintour is stepping down as editor of American Vogue but remains a central creative force as global editorial director and chief content officer.
Chloe Dao is being positioned as a fresh, original voice who brings cultural depth and a balanced approach to fashion beyond mere 'fashionista' obsession.
Print at Vogue is evolving into a more curated, collectible, and news-breaking medium rather than a frequent publication.
Wintour emphasizes surrounding oneself with talented people and trusts her team’s judgment, even as she maintains oversight.
She views fashion as a vital form of self-expression and creativity, not just luxury or elitism.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Context: The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Wintour's Transition
The episode opens with a promotional segment for Shopify, followed by a brief introduction to the upcoming sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, which features Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly, a character inspired by Anna Wintour. The stage is set for a deep dive into Wintour’s legacy and her recent decision to step down from American Vogue.
Introducing Chloe Dao: A New Era for American Vogue
“She's an insider, but she's also an outsider. She wants to be her own person. She just wants to be herself and show herself and prove herself and make news, as I'm sure she will.”
The Changing Face of Fashion and the Role of Print
“Print has to feel more substantial, more important. It's our runway show. If you think about how many people actually go to a Vuitton fashion show, it's between 400 and 800 people. But then it goes out to millions and millions.”
Wintour’s Personal Journey and Leadership Philosophy
“I think everyone should be fired once. It helps you get everything into proportion and pick yourself up.”
Fashion as Culture, Not Just Luxury
“I like the idea of creativity and what does that mean and how you bring in a community in all kinds of different levels... To me, that's much more interesting than the idea of luxury.”
“Print has to feel more substantial, more important. It's our runway show. If you think about how many people actually go to a Vuitton fashion show, it's between 400 and 800 people. But then it goes out to millions and millions.”
“I like the idea of creativity and what does that mean and how you bring in a community in all kinds of different levels... To me, that's much more interesting than the idea of luxury.”
“She's an insider, but she's also an outsider. She wants to be her own person. She just wants to be herself and show herself and prove herself and make news, as I'm sure she will.”
Host
Guest
Anna Wintour
person
Vogue
other
Chloe Dao
person
Condé Nast
organization
The Devil Wears Prada
media
David Remnick
person
Meryl Streep
person
The New Yorker
other
Alex Lieberman
person
Jonathan Anderson
person
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