The fashion world is bracing for one of its biggest shifts in decades. Reports suggest that Chloe Malle, daughter of actress Candice Bergen and filmmaker Louis Malle, has emerged as the leading candidate to step into Anna Wintour’s role at Vogue. After nearly four decades under Wintour’s leadership, the magazine appears to be on the verge of naming her successor.
A New Era for Vogue
Chloe Malle, now 39, has steadily built her editorial career at Vogue and is said to be among the last names under review by Condé Nast executives. Sources note that CEO Roger Lynch and Wintour herself are playing an active role in shaping the final decision. With just a few candidates still in play, Malle is widely believed to be leading the pack.
One of her recent standouts was an interview with Lauren Sánchez, timed ahead of her wedding to Jeff Bezos—a piece that showcased Malle’s ability to engage with figures at the intersection of fashion, celebrity, and cultural influence.
Instagram | chloemalle | Malle’s recent high-profile interview with Lauren Sánchez has brought her new attention.
Candidates Still in the Running
Although Malle appears to be the favorite, she is not the only contender. The list is believed to include Nicole Phelps, global director of Vogue Runway, along with several external names who bring outside perspectives to the fashion publishing world.
The final decision is expected before New York Fashion Week begins on September 11, marking a symbolic transition just as the industry gathers for one of its biggest events of the year.
Anna Wintour’s Legacy at Vogue
Anna Wintour’s decision to step down was revealed in June, when she informed staff during an editorial meeting. At 75, she will remain as Condé Nast’s global chief content officer and Vogue’s global editorial director, ensuring her influence continues even after leaving the top role.
Wintour’s time at the magazine reshaped fashion journalism. Since taking over in 1988, she introduced bold editorial choices that often challenged tradition, such as featuring denim on the cover in her very first issue. Over the years, she curated the magazine’s unmistakable voice, oversaw every major shoot with meticulous detail, and solidified Vogue’s reputation as the authority in fashion.
Her influence extended far beyond the page. Since 1995, she has personally overseen the Met Gala guest list, turning it into one of the most exclusive and influential cultural events in the world. Her portrayal in the novel and film “The Devil Wears Prada” cemented her status as both a cultural icon and a formidable force in fashion publishing.
Chloe Malle’s Background
Instagram | chloemalle | Malle’s success at Vogue stems from her talent, not her famous family background.
While Chloe Malle’s artistic roots run deep—her family name carries weight in film and theater—her path at Vogue has been shaped by her editorial instincts rather than inherited privilege. She has proven herself capable of honoring the magazine’s traditions while also knowing when to pivot toward the conversations shaping fashion today. That balance positions her as a strong contender for Wintour’s seat.
The role ahead is not simple. With fashion media shifting rapidly under the pressures of digital consumption, the next editor-in-chief will need to both guard Vogue’s prestige and reinvent its appeal for readers raised in an entirely different media landscape. Malle’s insider perspective offers an advantage: she understands the brand’s legacy and the direction it must take to thrive.
The Road Ahead for Vogue
All signs point to an announcement before September’s Fashion Week. The role is larger than one person; it carries the weight of a magazine that has dictated global fashion’s rhythm for almost four decades under Wintour. Should Malle step in, the change will represent both a nod to continuity and a step into uncharted ground—an evolution that the fashion world will scrutinize closely.
