Anna Wintour Appoints Chloe Malle as Head of Editorial Content at Vogue
A New Era for Vogue
Recently, the fashion world erupted with speculation as Anna Wintour, the stalwart of Vogue for nearly four decades, announced that Chloe Malle would be taking on the role of head of editorial content at Vogue. While Wintour remains an indomitable figure—serving as chief content officer for Condé Nast and global editorial director for American Vogue—this shift marks a significant transition for the fashion bible.
Malle’s Background and Rise
Chloe Malle, 39, brings a rich heritage to her new role, being the daughter of actress Candice Bergen and the late French director Louis Malle. Her tenure at Vogue began in 2011 as a social editor, and she quickly climbed the ranks to become a contributing editor and finally, editor of Vogue.com in 2023. Malle is renowned for her digital prowess, guiding Vogue’s online strategy and driving significant traffic growth, with the site now recording an impressive 14.5 million unique visitors monthly.
In a recent statement, Malle expressed her excitement: “Vogue has already shaped who I am; now I’m excited at the prospect of shaping Vogue.” This sentiment encapsulates her journey and underscores the generational shift taking place within the magazine.
The Speculative Search for a Successor
Following Wintour’s announcement that she would relinquish her long-held title, numerous names floated as potential successors. Key figures included Eva Chen of Meta, Nicole Phelps from Vogue Runway, and Sara Moonves of W magazine. Malle’s appointment, however, didn’t just come as a surprise amidst this speculation; her experience and connection to Vogue made her a frontrunner.
Collaborating closely with Chioma Nnadi, head of editorial content at British Vogue, and co-hosting the Vogue podcast “The Run-Through,” Malle has already established herself as a prominent voice in the Vogue family.
Shaping the Future of Vogue
Vogue’s history stretches back 134 years, originating as a society journal. After Condé Nast took the helm in 1909, Vogue evolved into a fashion institution distinguished by high fashion, glamor, and studio photography. Under Wintour’s leadership starting in 1988, the magazine transformed, widening its appeal and enriching its narratives by incorporating pop culture.
Malle now stands at a pivotal juncture to meld Vogue’s storied past with an eye toward its future. Wintour’s assertion that Malle can balance “American Vogue’s long, singular history and its future on the front lines of the new” underscores the expectations on her shoulders.
Changes in the Editorial Landscape
The shift from the traditional “editor-in-chief” title to “head of editorial content” reflects a broader trend within Condé Nast. This change aligns Vogue with other publications within the conglomerate, signaling a modern approach to editorial oversight. The adjustment not only streamlines the hierarchy but also signifies an evolution in how major media companies operate in an increasingly digital landscape.
Wintour’s Continued Influence
While Malle gears up to lead the U.S. edition of Vogue, Wintour isn’t stepping away entirely. She remains integral as Condé Nast’s chief content officer, overseeing various prestigious brands, including Vanity Fair, GQ, and more. Her ongoing involvement in major events like the Met Gala indicates that she will remain a powerful force in fashion, even as she mentors Malle and focuses on enhancing international markets for Condé Nast.
In a lighter tone, Wintour quipped about her future: “I plan to remain Vogue’s tennis and theater editor in perpetuity,” highlighting the continuity of her influence in both the fashion and cultural sectors.
The Significance of Malle’s Appointment
As New York Fashion Week approaches, Malle’s new role is timely. With her unique background and insights, she is poised to navigate the complexities of modern fashion journalism and digital engagement. With Malle at the helm, there’s palpable anticipation about how she will influence not only Vogue but the wider fashion landscape.
Malle’s strong liberal voice aligns with Vogue’s long-standing tradition of editorial boldness, setting the stage for her to continue shaping the magazine’s direction. How she balances this legacy while injecting her personal vision and innovative approach into Vogue’s editorial content will undoubtedly be watched closely by both industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts alike.