It’s official: American Vogue has a new leader at the helm. On September 2, 2025, Chloe Malle, a long-time Condé Nast veteran and the daughter of actor Candice Bergen and film director Louis Malle, was announced as the new head of editorial content for the iconic fashion magazine, according to Puck and other industry sources. Malle, 39, steps into the coveted role just ahead of New York Fashion Week, which runs from September 11 through September 16—a move that signals both continuity and a fresh start for the publication often dubbed the fashion Bible.
This leadership transition marks the end of an era: Anna Wintour, who has shaped Vogue’s voice and vision for 37 years, is stepping down as editor-in-chief. First revealed in June 2025, Wintour’s decision was shared with staff during an editorial meeting, as reported by The Daily Front Row. Yet, Wintour is far from leaving the Vogue universe entirely; at 75, she will remain as Condé Nast’s global chief content officer and Vogue’s global editorial director, ensuring her influence continues to guide the magazine’s high-profile initiatives—including the exclusive Met Gala guest list she’s curated since 1995.
Chloe Malle’s rise to the top job is a story of both legacy and adaptability. After studying comparative literature and writing at Brown University, Malle admits she was initially uncertain about her career direction. “When I graduated, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” she told Into the Gloss. “I was always interested in writing—I edited the weekly paper at Brown and loved that.” A brief stint considering public health gave way to an internship at the New York Observer, where she began covering real estate before transitioning to a freelance writing career. Her bylines soon appeared in the New York Times Style section and, crucially, in Vogue itself.
Malle’s big break came in 2011 when she joined Vogue as social editor—a role she initially hesitated to pursue. “I was hesitant when I was interviewing, because fashion is not one of my main interests in life, and I wanted to be a writer more than an editor, but I was so seduced by the Vogue machine that I couldn’t resist,” she recalled. Her first interview at Vogue was, by her own admission, a bit of a fashion faux pas. “You’re supposed to never wear black. I wore black,” she said in 2014, recounting her outfit: black tights, slightly worn J. Crew suede booties, a short Diane von Furstenberg dress, and an orange beaded bag she thought was cool at the time. “It was plain, but it was fine,” she added, reflecting on her unconventional entry into one of fashion’s most scrutinized workplaces.
Despite her initial reluctance, Malle quickly adapted to the demands of Vogue’s social scene. “I work on the best-dressed lists and write party coverage for Vogue.com, which is so funny because I used to hate going out,” she told Into the Gloss. “I’m such a morning person. But now that I decide what parties to cover for the website, I’m usually out three to four nights a week.” Over the years, she rose through the ranks, becoming a podcast host and eventually editor of Vogue.com—a trajectory that reflects both her editorial chops and her ability to evolve with the brand.
The timing of Malle’s appointment is no accident. Last month, she was reportedly in the final rounds of interviews for the top job, with Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch and Anna Wintour herself narrowing down the candidates. Her selection is widely seen as a strategic pivot for Condé Nast, balancing the magazine’s storied legacy with the demands of a digital-first, influencer-driven era. As ainvest.com noted, Malle’s 14-year tenure at Condé Nast, combined with her work on digital engagement through Vogue.com and the popular podcast The Run-Through, positions her to connect with Gen Z and emerging global markets—demographics critical to Vogue’s long-term growth.
Industry experts point to Condé Nast’s recent financial performance as evidence of the need for this dual approach. While global EBITDA among six major media companies fell from $37.3 billion in 2018 to $17.2 billion in 2023, Condé Nast’s international revenue has grown at a 22% compound annual rate over the past five years, thanks in large part to localized editorial strategies and digital expansion. Malle’s focus on digital storytelling and her embrace of personality-driven fashion—exemplified by the September 2025 issue featuring Emma Stone—signal a deliberate effort to keep Vogue at the forefront of cultural conversation and advertiser interest.
But with opportunity comes risk. Leadership changes, especially after such a long and influential reign as Wintour’s, can introduce short-term volatility. ainvest.com draws a parallel to the valuation risks faced by other media companies after the departure of iconic leaders. However, the transition at Vogue is somewhat cushioned by Wintour’s continued oversight and the decentralized editorial leadership now in place at Condé Nast. This structure is designed to ensure a smooth handover and maintain the magazine’s prestige during a period of rapid change.
There are also broader industry challenges on the horizon. As the fast-fashion sector grapples with environmental and labor concerns, Malle’s role will include navigating these reputational risks. Negative publicity in this space has already affected consumer attitudes and investor confidence, making it imperative for Vogue to adopt a proactive editorial stance that aligns with evolving ethical expectations. Malle’s background as a writer and her reputation for thoughtful, personality-driven coverage may prove assets as she steers the magazine through these complex waters.
For investors and industry watchers, Malle’s appointment is being viewed as a calculated bet on the future of fashion media. By combining Wintour’s global influence with Malle’s digital acumen, Condé Nast is positioning Vogue to thrive in an era where brand evolution and investor confidence are tightly linked. There’s precedent for such a strategy: the Gucci turnaround led by Marco Bizzarri and Alessandro Michele, which saw a 22% revenue jump after redefining the brand’s identity and embracing digital innovation, is cited as a model for what Vogue might achieve under new leadership.
Ultimately, Chloe Malle’s ascent to the top job at American Vogue is more than just a changing of the guard. It’s a story of institutional legacy meeting digital transformation—a balancing act that will determine not only the future of one of fashion’s most influential magazines, but also the broader trajectory of legacy media in the digital age.
