In brief
In a revealing interview, Anna Wintour shares insights about her career, the significance of fashion, and her journey in shaping Vogue into a global phenomenon.
Anna Wintour, the esteemed editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988, recently opened up about her iconic style, the evolution of fashion shows, and her influential career during a visit to the exhibition 'VOGUE: Inventing the Runway'. Sporting her trademark dark sunglasses, Wintour engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the role they play in her public persona. “They help me see and they help me not see,” she said, describing them as a “prop” that aids her visibility while offering a layer of anonymity.The exhibition, set in a vast underground space with immersive digital projections, aims to encapsulate the history of runway shows, highlighting the significant transformations within the fashion industry that Wintour has witnessed over the decades. Reflecting on her extensive experience, Wintour noted, “For someone who goes to so many shows, you get a little used to the experience." Her mission for the exhibition was to recreate the thrill of being present at these exclusive events for the audience.Wintour's punctuality is notorious; she often arrives early, a trait she brings to her professional life, admitting to have "probably spent a year of my life waiting for fashion shows" — a common complaint in an industry famed for tardiness. From experiences with designers like Marc Jacobs—who notoriously delayed a show by an hour and a half—to the timely elegance of Gianni Versace, Wintour's anecdotes illustrate her deep connections and the waiting game of the fashion world.The presentation offers vibrant narratives of the fashion industry's evolution, narrated by actress Cate Blanchett. Wintour highlighted the past elitism of fashion shows and contrasted it with contemporary inclusivity showcased by events like Pharrell Williams' Louis Vuitton show, which attracted millions online. "Now everyone can come to the party, which is as it should be," she expressed.Despite the glamorous facade of her role, Wintour also acknowledged the perception of her being akin to Miranda Priestly, the fictional character in 'The Devil Wears Prada.' While she maintains a light-hearted view on this comparison, Wintour emphasized that she focuses on creativity rather than her public persona. The fashion magazine's reputation is also a subject of contention for her, as she pushed back against the notion that fashion journalism lacks depth, affirming its significant economic impact globally.At 75, Wintour remains dedicated to her work, stating clearly, “I have no plans to leave my job,” and reinforcing her commitment to guiding Vogue through an evolving landscape. As the exhibition continues at Lightroom in London until April 2025, Wintour's legacy in the fashion world is secure, providing a lens not only into the grandeur of catwalks but into the intricate and often challenging reality of the industry.
