Who Might Replace Anna Wintour at Vogue?

The recent announcement on Thursday that Anna Wintour will no longer handle her daily responsibilities at American Vogue has caused quite a stir in the media world, which is not common these days. However, it’s important to clarify that while she is stepping back from her day-to-day duties, she is not leaving Condé Nast entirely. Instead, she remains as the Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast and the Global Editorial Director of Vogue, maintaining control over two influential titles within the publishing giant that boasts 28 international editions of Vogue among its numerous magazines.

Now, I’m eagerly awaiting to discover who will take over the daily operations at American Vogue, a position that also bears the fresh head of editorial content. This change certainly signals a new chapter, considering Anna Wintour has held the editor-in-chief role for 37 years since her two-year tenure as editor of British Vogue from 1985 to 1987.

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled about Anna Wintour stepping away from her daily duties at Vogue, as this move will allow her to concentrate entirely on the global dimensions of her role. This shift is expected to bring harmony in tone, content, and partnerships across Condé Nast’s extensive portfolio, which includes Architectural Digest, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Bon Appétit, Glamour, and Wired. For Hollywood enthusiasts and red carpet aficionados like me, this means she’ll still be at the helm of the Met Gala – a role she’s committed to due to her deep-rooted connection with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her influence is evident in the museum’s costume department being renamed the Anna Wintour Costume Center in 2014, showcasing the significant impact she’s made.

Speculations are circulating, so let’s examine several potential candidates for the position of Vogue’s next Head of Editorial Content. Here are their chances, presented in a fun, casino-themed manner:

1. Contender A – 20 to 1 odds
2. Contender B – 15 to 1 odds
3. Contender C – 10 to 1 odds
4. Contender D – 8 to 1 odds
5. Contender E – 6 to 1 odds (Favorite)
6. Longshot Contender F – 25 to 1 odds

Amy Astley: 3/5

Since 2016, the editor of Architectural Digest, Ms. Astley, has proven herself to be a prime contender for the role of overseeing the transformation of American Vogue. In simple terms, she’s been excelling at AD, featuring the homes of A-list celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Michael Shannon, and Lenny Kravitz. Her recent feature on Pamela Anderson’s love for gardening added another dimension to her star status, particularly during the 2025 awards season where her evolution was under close scrutiny. The cover story featuring Dakota Johnson in April 2020, which showcased her mid-century modern home and iconic green kitchen, is still a topic of conversation today. If she desires it, the position seems to be within Astley’s reach.

Edward Enninful: 20/1

When Edward Enninful was gaining recognition as the editor of British Vogue, there were frequent discussions about him being a potential successor to Anna Wintour. From 2017 to 2023, while he led the magazine, Enninful produced captivating, artistic covers featuring diverse personalities such as Rihanna, Jane Fonda, Linda Evangelista, and Oprah Winfrey, many of which were shot by Black photographers. In February, Enninful launched EE72, a global media company, and in May announced that the brand’s first digital and print publication, 72 Magazine, would be released in September. This move could potentially take Enninful out of the running for continuing at British Vogue.

Tonne Goodman: 7/2

Since 1999, Goodman has been a mainstay at Vogue, making her an excellent candidate for the position of editorial head due to her extensive experience and diverse skill set. As a former model with a keen eye for design, Goodman played a significant role in shaping some of Vogue’s most iconic editorials during her 20-year stint as fashion director. In 2019, Goodman took on the trailblazing role of Vogue’s first sustainability editor, an innovative concept that was only six years ahead of its time.

Embracing a strong dedication towards eco-friendliness within the fashion industry, Goodman might shine bright as the leading figure, emphasizing this philosophy. It’s possible that Wintour shares this enthusiasm, as suggested by her remarks during her meeting with Vogue’s team on Thursday: “It’s going to be exhilarating to collaborate with someone fresh, who will stimulate us, motivate us, and encourage us all to view Vogue from innovative angles.

Will Welch: 50/1

Starting from 2007, he advanced within the editorial team at GQ, initially joining as an associate editor focusing on music, fashion, and pop culture. His role eventually expanded to become the editor of GQ Style in 2015, and then the editor-in-chief of the U.S. edition of GQ in 2019. In 2020, he was appointed as the global editorial director for all 19 international editions of the men’s magazine. The Summer 2025 issue, featuring a shared cover of F1 stars Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Lewis Hamilton, is being hyped as a valuable collector’s item. While his new position might appear to be a sideways move or even a step down if it lacks a global title, he is also recognized in fashion circles as a favorite of Anna Wintour, which could certainly give him an edge in any Condé Nast competition.

Chioma Nnadi: 10/1

In October 2023, London-born Nnadi took over as editor-in-chief of British Vogue, following Enninful. Given the significant role previously held by her predecessor, filling these shoes was undeniably a challenge. However, she has been driving the magazine forward with captivating covers featuring Bella Ramsey, Billie Eilish, and Dua Lipa, among others, in 2025 alone.

Nnadi’s background at American Vogue, where she worked on both print and digital platforms from 2010 to 2023, underscores her expertise and qualifications for the position. In fact, upon her appointment at British Vogue, Anna Wintour, who once held this role before moving to New York, referred to Nnadi as a cherished colleague. Should Nnadi ever decide to return to New York, it seems the American team would be equally enthusiastic about her leadership.

Eva Chen: 25/1

Eva Chen has been with Instagram as its director of fashion partnerships for a full decade, and in that time, social media platforms like Instagram have grown significantly in their influence on editorial discussions. For instance, when choosing celebrity placements in magazines, conversations now often involve checking an individual’s Instagram followers. This makes Chen a strong contender for roles that require understanding both digital and social media as integral to editorial dialogue. Before joining Instagram, Chen worked as the beauty editor at Teen Vogue and was the youngest-ever editor-in-chief of Lucky, a shopping magazine that was popular before online shopping became prevalent. In summary, Chen’s background aligns with many key qualifications.

Lindsay Peoples Wagner: 15/1

Among the group of prospective candidates, the youngest is Peoples Wagner, who has been serving as editor-in-chief at The Cut, an online and print segment of New York magazine, since 2021. Before this, she held the position of editor-in-chief at Teen Vogue for three years. Interestingly enough, this was where her career began, as she started out as an intern in their fashion department. During her time at Teen Vogue, Peoples Wagner introduced essential aspects of inclusivity and social consciousness. It’s evident that these elements have become increasingly important in the years since, particularly in publications focusing on contemporary culture.

2025-06-27 20:55