Career Timeline of Anna Wintour: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Anna Wintour made an impact.

Anna Wintour is a highly influential British-American media executive, renowned as the editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988. She holds further leadership positions as global chief content officer of Condé Nast and global editorial director of Vogue, overseeing the company's publications worldwide. Instantly recognizable by her signature bob and sunglasses, Wintour is considered the most powerful woman in publishing. She's a significant figure in fashion, notably as the lead chairperson of the Met Gala since the 1990s. While lauded for her ability to spot emerging trends, she has also faced criticism regarding her perceived demanding personality.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1970: Editorial Assistant at Harper's & Queen

In 1970, Anna Wintour was hired as one of the first editorial assistants at the newly merged Harper's & Queen, marking the beginning of her career in fashion journalism.

1975: Junior Fashion Editor at Harper's Bazaar

In 1975, Anna Wintour became a junior fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar in New York City.

1978: Viva Magazine Closure

In late 1978, the unprofitable Viva magazine, where Wintour was a fashion editor, was shut down by Guccione.

1980: Fashion Editor for Savvy

In 1980, Anna Wintour returned to work, succeeding Elsa Klensch as fashion editor for Savvy, a new women's magazine.

1983: Creative Director at Vogue

In 1983, Anna Wintour accepted a position at Vogue, becoming the magazine's first creative director.

1985: Editor of British Vogue

In 1985, Anna Wintour became the Editor of British Vogue, marking an early milestone in her editorial career.

1987: Takes Over House & Garden

In 1987, Anna Wintour returned to New York City to take over House & Garden, implementing radical changes to staff and look.

1987: Leaves British Vogue

In 1987, after two years at British Vogue, Wintour left the publication.

November 1988: First Vogue Issue as Editor-in-Chief

In November 1988, Anna Wintour's first issue as editor-in-chief of U.S. Vogue was released, featuring a cover that broke from tradition by showing a model in jeans and a T-shirt.

1988: Editor-in-Chief of Vogue

In 1988, Anna Wintour became the editor-in-chief of Vogue, marking a significant career milestone.

1990: Fundraising for AIDS Charities

Since 1990, Anna Wintour has raised over $10 million for AIDS charities by organizing various high-profile benefits.

2002: Complaint about affair rumors

In 2002, Anna Wintour complained about allegations of getting her job through an affair with Si Newhouse when accepting a media award.

September 2004: Largest Issue of Monthly Magazine

The September 2004 issue of Vogue was the largest issue of a monthly magazine ever published at that time, with 832 pages.

2005: Anglomania Celebration at the Met

In 2005, at the Anglomania celebration, a Vogue-sponsored salute to British fashion at the Met, Anna Wintour personally chose the clothes for prominent attendees such as Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss, Donald Trump, and Diane von Fürstenberg.

2006: Encouraged Brooks Brothers to hire Thom Browne

In 2006, Anna Wintour persuaded Brooks Brothers to hire the relatively unknown Thom Browne.

September 2007: Production of September Issue

In September 2007, the production of the September issue was captured during the filming of documentary film "The September Issue".

September 2007: The September Issue Covered by Documentary

The September 2007 issue of Vogue was the subject of R.J. Cutler's documentary, "The September Issue."

2008: Hildy Kuryk worked for Obama's campaign

In 2008, Hildy Kuryk worked as a fundraiser for Obama's campaign.

2008: Milan Fashion Week Scheduling Controversy

In 2008, at Milan Fashion Week, Anna Wintour requested that some key shows be rescheduled for earlier in the week so she and other U.S.-based editors could have time to return home before the Paris shows, leading to complaints and accusations of prioritizing U.S. editors over Italian fashion.

2008: Retirement Rumors

In 2008, rumors arose that Anna Wintour would retire and be replaced by French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld.

2009: Media Appearances and Documentary Release

In 2009, Anna Wintour increased her media appearances, including a 60 Minutes profile, and the release of "The September Issue" documentary.

2011: Forbes' Most Powerful Women List

In 2011, after Forbes named her 69th on its list of the world's hundred most powerful women, Anna Wintour dismissed the notion that she has all the power attributed to her.

2011: Vogue Archive Online

In 2011, when Vogue put its entire archive online, Anna Wintour commented on the unplanned nature of the cover photo from her first issue as editor-in-chief.

2012: Reflection on first Vogue cover

In 2012, Anna Wintour reflected on the cover of the issue in November 1988 where she became editor-in-chief.

2013: Hired Hildy Kuryk

In 2013, Anna Wintour hired Hildy Kuryk, who worked as a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee and Obama's 2008 campaign.

2013: Artistic Director for Condé Nast

In 2013, Anna Wintour took on the position of artistic director for Condé Nast, expanding her role within the company.

2015: Emphasis on Luxury in Print Publications

In 2015, Anna Wintour explained her vision for print publications, emphasizing the need for a luxurious experience with photographs and pieces that cannot be found elsewhere.

2015: Favorite Vogue Cover

In 2015, Anna Wintour stated that if she had to pick a favorite of her Vogue covers, it would be the November 1988 cover, which was a leap of faith and a big change for the magazine.

2016: The Devil Wears Prada 10th Anniversary

In 2016, The Ringer noted how Anna Wintour's personal image had evolved since The Devil Wears Prada's depiction of Miranda Priestley on the 10th anniversary of the film's release. It was noted that the film transformed Wintour's image into a cultural icon.

2016: Anna Wintour Still the Boss

In 2016, on the 10th anniversary of 'The Devil Wears Prada', Anna Wintour was still openly admired and considered the boss. Wintour was seemingly the only person on earth who knew how to run a steady print operation.

January 2017: Rumors of Ambassadorship

In January 2017, it was rumored that Anna Wintour would have become the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom had Hillary Clinton been elected President of the United States.

May 2017: Anna Wintour Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire

In May 2017, Anna Wintour was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to fashion and journalism and invested by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

2020: Global Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast

In 2020, Anna Wintour took on the role of global chief content officer of Condé Nast, expanding her influence over all Condé Nast publications worldwide.