I’m sure you’ve heard that, Anna Wintour, Vogue super star, was promoted from “the company’s US Artistic Director [and editor in chief] to its Chief Content Officer, as well as Global Editor Director for its Vogue magazine.” on December 15, 2020. Confused because you thought there actually wasn’t a position higher than the one she had? You aren’t alone. Wintour moved her way to the top from one magazine to the next. Starting as a Fashion Assistant for the magazine, Harper’s & Queen in 1970 to Junior Fashion Editor for Harper’s Baazar. From there, she worked her way up endlessly, hopping from one publication to the next. Though Vogue, including Wintour, admitted to being “hurtful and intolerant — and not [having] done enough to promote black staff and designers” in June 2020; it seems they are trying to turn the work atmosphere around for the good. After all, their covers have been “breaking barriers” and social norms in publications. Since June/July issue to as recent as the December issue they have been going outside the box, including placing Harry Styles on the cover in a dress. Great- now that the infamous publication is up to speed, what’s next for Vogue?
Anna Wintour
The atmosphere that Wintour held while the book author of, “The Devil Wears Prada,” Lauren Weisberger, worked at Vogue definitely influenced her writing. she clarified in 2010 that, “…of course [her] time at Vogue informed the book, there’s no denying that.” Though, Meryl Streep disclosed that her inspiration for her distinguished character, Miranda Priestly, actually came from an array of different influences. One being, Clint Eastwood, not the glamorous persona you were thinking of? Yup, we were surprised as well. However, Streep liked his power move to say the least. “The voice I got from Clint Eastwood,” she revealed in an interview with Variety, explaining that he “never, ever, ever raises his voice and everyone has to lean in to listen, and he is automatically the most powerful person in the room.” Seems like a smart move- we may take that from you Eastwood.
Global Content Strategy
How did all this lead to Wintour’s promotion? Good question. It’s no secret that the publication has been trying to shift. This change has said to be part of their “global content strategy.” Their strategy seems to be focusing on human relations, if you will. From cover to cover making people feel more than just visually satisfied by pretty faces and beautiful clothing. They feel as though they are relating to the cover more through emotions, rather than dollar signs to say the least. An example of this is: a cover that was released today, showing Madam Vice President, Kamala Harris, in a nicely polished suit grinning. Would this have happened if the recent events of 2020 didn’t take place? Probably not. Vogue is becoming more relatable and humane and it’s about damn time. Do you think a man in a dress on the cover of Vogue would have been acceptable 5 years ago? Doubt it. Actually, have you noticed that men in general aren’t really on the cover of Vogue? (unless they are accompanied by a woman) but this hasn’t happened many times either. People are in a time of unknowing, fear and in need of reassurance. Publications have the voice and the platform to give people what they need. Let’s hope to see more inspirational and motivating covers for Vogue’s their Global Content Strategy.
