Passing the Sunglasses: Who is Anna Wintour’s Successor?

By: Olivia Liu

For decades, Anna Wintour has been a symbol of Vogue magazine; her signature bob and sunglasses have become as iconic as the magazine itself. Now, a new chapter is beginning as Chloé Malle steps in as the magazine’s head of editorial content. Malle, daughter of actress Candice Bergen and French filmmaker Louis Malle, joined Vogue in 2011 and has held multiple positions, including editor of Vogue.com and co-host of its podcast, The Run-Through. But the question remains: can Malle honor Wintour’s legacy, or is her promotion simply another case of nepotism?

A New Era for Vogue 

Chloé Malle’s promotion as Head of Editorial Content marks a pivotal moment for Vogue. Anna Wintour has officially stepped down as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, but, she’s not going anywhere as of now: she’s still holding her roles as Global Editorial Director of Vogue and Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast. In these positions, Wintour oversees all global Vogue editions and the content for other Condé Nast titles, while Malle is stepping in to handle the day-to-day of American Vogue. She is now in charge of the editorial team as well as the magazine’s digital content creation. In essence, she is keeping the magazine on track while Wintour looks at the wider picture.

A Matter of Merit or Nepotism? 

Some critics have questioned whether Malle’s family background (daughter of actress Candice Bergen and filmmaker Louis Malle) played a role in her promotion, raising discussions about nepotism in fashion media. In my opinion, the fashion industry is deeply rooted in connections, where who you know can sometimes open doors faster than talent alone. That said, connections don’t always guarantee success; sustaining a high-profile role in a competitive space like THE Vogue magazine requires both a vision and a work ethic. Her decade-long tenure at Vogue demonstrates her deep knowledge of the magazine and its audience; the challenge now is for Malle to prove that her leadership is defined by skill and a keen eye, rather than connections.

My Thoughts 

Chloé Malle stepping into her new role is both a continuation and a reinvention of Vogue’s legacy. She inherits not only a title but the weight of decades of cultural influence, the challenge of a printed magazine in a digital world, and the expectations of readers who have long revered Anna Wintour’s vision. Malle’s journey will be defined by how she balances reverence for tradition with a willingness to take risks; if she succeeds, she won’t just honor Wintour’s legacy, but will be at the forefront of the industry. proving that leadership in fashion is about vision, courage, and the ability to shape culture rather than simply follow it.