Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 16, 2025 · Entertainment

The Vogue Transition: Can Chloe Malle Outshine Anna Wintour?

Anna Wintour, 75, Global Editorial Director of Conde Nast (the company that publishes Vogue) seated companionably at last week’s Michael Kors fashion show beside Chloe Malle, 37, the successor she appointed to her editor’s chair

Vogue's Power Play: Can Chloe Malle Break Free from Anna Wintour's Shadow?

The fashion world is abuzz with the appointment of Chloe Malle as the new Editorial Content Director of US Vogue, but beneath the celebratory surface lies a complex web of power dynamics and territorial disputes. As we delve into the intricacies of this high-stakes game, one thing becomes clear: for Malle to succeed, she must navigate the treacherous waters of Anna Wintour's legacy and establish her own authority.

The photograph of Malle and Wintour, seated side by side at Michael Kors' fashion show, is a telling image. On its surface, it appears to be a warm and intimate moment between two colleagues, but scratch beneath the glossy façade and you'll find a power struggle playing out in real-time. Wintour, resplendent as ever in her custom-made maxi dress and designer necklace, exudes an aura of authority that is unmistakable. Malle, in contrast, looks refreshingly unassuming in her Altuzarra dress and scraped-back hair.

Alexandra Shulman was the editor-in-chief of British Vogue from 1992 to 2017, serving for a total of 25 years, which was the longest tenure of any editor in the publication's history

But appearances can be deceiving. Insiders claim that Malle is "a great choice" to lead the magazine, possessing a unique combination of charm, savvy, and cultural clout. She's well-versed in the digital landscape, having helmed Vogue's online arm for two years, and has a deep understanding of the complex interplay between print and digital media.

Despite Wintour's effusive praise for her successor, it's clear that Malle faces an uphill battle to establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world. "Anna may have given up the editorship," notes our insider, "but the message is she's not going anywhere." This subtle yet potent reminder of Wintour's enduring influence serves as a warning to Malle: don't get too comfortable in your new role.

This isn't the first time The Scholarly Note has sounded the alarm on the complexities of fashion month. Our intrepid journalist recalls her own experiences navigating the treacherous waters of British Vogue under Wintour's watchful eye. "I was first appointed editor back in 1992," she writes, "and Anna suggested hosting a series of parties in Milan and Paris to introduce me to the industry titans. But I knew better – this wasn't about supporting her protégée, but about showcasing American Vogue's dominance."

Chloe (pictured with Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker) may have a beaming, friendly smile, but this will not establish her as an authority in the fashion firmament

In fact, our journalist suggests that Wintour's actions can be seen as a form of " psychological warfare" designed to intimidate and manipulate those around her. This Machiavellian approach has served her well over the years, earning her a reputation as one of the most powerful women in fashion.

But Malle is no pushover. With a background in editing men's magazines like GQ, she's battle-hardened and ready to take on the challenges of leading US Vogue. However, if she's to succeed, she'll need to navigate the treacherous waters of Wintour's legacy and establish her own authority.

It's not just about personal ego or status – it's about the very survival of the magazine. As our insider notes, "Conde Nast wants Chloe to establish her power base, but for that to happen, she needs to move away from Anna's shadow." The optics are crucial: at fashion shows and galas, Malle should be flanked by her own team, not Wintour's.

If Conde Nast really want Chloe (centre) to establish her power base, she should be flanked by her own team of staffers, not by her predecessor. They are pictured together with Vanity Fair’s Mark Guiducci and filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, right

For those who may think this is simply a matter of personal politics, let's remember the stakes. Magazines like Vogue are no longer just about beautiful pictures and witty copy – they're multimedia empires that require strong brand ambassadors to navigate the complex landscape of digital media. As Michael Grynbaum's book "Empire Of The Elite" reveals, even seasoned editors like Tina Brown faced a grueling two-year battle to win over advertisers at Vanity Fair.

In this high-stakes game of power and influence, Malle faces an unprecedented challenge: establishing herself as a leader in her own right. Will she succeed where others have failed? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the fashion world is watching with bated breath.

As our journalist concludes, "Chloe may have a beaming, friendly smile, but this won't establish her as an authority in the fashion firmament." To do that, she'll need to take bold risks and forge her own path – without getting lost in Wintour's long shadow.