A New Chapter for American Vogue
In a landmark shift for one of the most iconic fashion publications, Chloe Malle has been named the new head of editorial content for American Vogue, succeeding Anna Wintour after nearly four decades of her legendary tenure. The announcement, made on September 2, marks the first time in 37 years that a new editor has taken the helm of the U.S. edition of Vogue. Malle, 39, brings a fresh perspective to the role, having served as editor of Vogue.com and co-host of its podcast since joining the publication in 2011 as a social editor.
Malle's appointment comes as no surprise to industry insiders, with reports last month indicating she was a top contender for the position. Her background, steeped in cultural prominence as the daughter of actor Candice Bergen and the late French director Louis Malle, adds an extra layer of intrigue to her ascension. 'There has to be a noticeable shift that makes this mine,' Malle stated in an interview, signaling her intent to carve out a distinct identity for the magazine under her leadership.
Anna Wintour's Enduring Influence
While Malle steps into the day-to-day editorial and creative operations, Anna Wintour remains a towering figure in the fashion world, retaining her positions as Condé Nast's chief content officer and global editorial director of Vogue's 27 editions worldwide. Wintour, 75, personally selected Malle as her successor for the U.S. role, ensuring continuity within the publication's vision. 'At a moment of change both within fashion and outside it, Vogue must continue to be both the standard-bearer and the boundary-pushing leader,' Wintour said in a statement on Vogue.com, expressing confidence in Malle's ability to balance tradition with innovation.
Malle will report directly to Wintour, who continues to oversee global content strategy for Condé Nast titles such as GQ, Architectural Digest, Vanity Fair, Bon Appétit, and Teen Vogue. This dynamic underscores Wintour's ongoing influence, even as she steps back from the daily editorial duties at American Vogue. 'I also feel incredibly fortunate to still have Anna just down the hall as my mentor,' Malle noted, highlighting the collaborative nature of this transition.
The Future of Fashion Media Under Malle's Leadership
As the fashion and media landscapes evolve at a rapid pace, Malle's role as head of editorial content—rather than the traditional 'editor-in-chief' title—reflects the changing nature of the industry, where digital platforms play an increasingly dominant role. Having steered all digital content at Vogue since 2023, Malle is well-positioned to navigate these shifts. 'Fashion and media are both evolving at breakneck speed, and I am so thrilled—and awed—to be part of that,' she said in Vogue's announcement story.
The appointment raises questions about how Malle will differentiate her tenure from Wintour's storied legacy while maintaining Vogue's status as a cultural touchstone. Industry observers note that Wintour's leadership style has often favored editorial leaders whose visions align with hers, suggesting that Malle's approach may build on existing foundations rather than depart radically. As this new era unfolds, all eyes will be on how Malle shapes American Vogue to resonate with contemporary audiences across print and digital formats.