Vogue's New Era: Chloe Malle Steps Up Amid Nepo Baby Buzz
Vogue's Royal Succession: Anna Wintour Names 39-Year-Old Heir with a Familiar Face
The fashion world is still reeling from the bombshell announcement that Anna Wintour, the iconic and notoriously demanding editor-in-chief of American Vogue, has chosen her successor. The crown jewel of Condé Nast's portfolio is passing to none other than Chloe Malle, 39, daughter of actress Candice Bergen and film director Louis Malle. This unexpected choice has set tongues wagging in the editorial offices, with some praising Wintour's selection while others are left feeling discontent.
For those who may not be aware, nepotism is a dirty word in the fashion industry, but when it comes to the influential world of Vogue, family ties can be a double-edged sword. One staffer confided in The Scholarly Note that Malle's privileged upbringing has given her an undeniable advantage: "She was born on third base, so let's not pretend she hit a triple." This candid admission highlights the elephant in the room: whether Malle is talented or simply coasting on her famous family name.
However, another staffer sang a different tune. "There's some prestige to working here, and I think Chloe will keep that going. She's a nice person, very smart, very businesslike, but also kind." This glowing endorsement suggests that Malle may indeed be the right choice for the job.
But who else was in the running? Insiders revealed that Sara Moonves, editor of W Magazine, Stella Bugbee, editor of The New York Times' Styles section, and Nicole Phelps, who runs Vogue Business and Vogue Runway, were all considered top contenders. It seems that their lack of a famous family connection may have been the deciding factor.
Coincidentally, Candice Bergen's character in Sex and the City was eerily reminiscent of Anna Wintour's persona, while more recently, she played an older version of the Vogue legend in And Just Like That. Now, her daughter will follow in those footsteps – or should we say, stilettos?
Anna Wintour has been the face of American Vogue since 1988 and has transformed the magazine into a cultural powerhouse. Her cool and aloof demeanor has inspired countless imitations, including Meryl Streep's iconic portrayal in The Devil Wears Prada.
As Wintour takes on her new role as global chief content officer and global editorial director at Vogue, Malle will report directly to her. This means that the 75-year-old editor-in-chief will continue to hold significant sway over the magazine's direction.
Wintour herself has released a statement praising Malle's ability to balance tradition with innovation: "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. Chloe has proven often that she can find the balance between American Vogue's long, singular history and its future on the front lines of the new."
Malle responded with her own statement, gushing about the evolving nature of fashion and media: "Fashion and media are both evolving at breakneck speed, and I am so thrilled – and awed – to be part of that. I also feel incredibly fortunate to still have Anna just down the hall as my mentor."
But Malle didn't shy away from acknowledging her privileged upbringing in an interview with The New York Times: "There is no question that I have 100 percent benefited from the privilege I grew up in... It has always made me work much harder. It has been a goal for a lot of my life to prove that I'm more than Candice Bergen's daughter, or someone who grew up in Beverly Hills."
Staffers at Vogue are watching with bated breath as Malle takes on her new role. Will she be able to fill the massive shoes left by Wintour? Only time will tell.
The Verdict
One thing is certain: Chloe Malle has big shoes to fill, and the fashion world is eagerly waiting to see if she'll step up or stumble. Will her famous family name give her an unfair advantage, or can she prove herself as a talented and worthy successor to Anna Wintour? The answer lies in the pages of American Vogue, where the next chapter in this high-stakes drama is about to unfold.
What's Next for Malle?
As Malle takes on her new role, she'll be expected to navigate the complex web of fashion trends, celebrity interviews, and magazine politics. Her father, Louis Malle, was known for his innovative storytelling style; will Chloe follow in his footsteps or forge her own path?
One thing's for sure: with Wintour still at the helm as global chief content officer, Malle will have a guiding light to help her navigate the treacherous waters of fashion. But can she make it on her own merit? Only time (and her next issue) will tell.
The Fashion World Reacts
Industry insiders are abuzz with speculation about Malle's appointment. Some praise Wintour's choice, citing Malle's impressive credentials and potential to bring a fresh perspective to the magazine.
Others, however, are more skeptical: "It's all just another example of how fashion is a closed shop," said one anonymous source. "You need to have connections or be born into the right family to make it in this industry."
Anna Wintour has been a dominant force in fashion for over three decades; can Chloe Malle live up to her mother's legacy?