Key Points:
- Chloe Malle replaces Anna Wintour as Vogue’s new editorial head.
- Plans fewer, high-quality print editions and curated digital content.
- Faces the challenge of reviving print while boosting digital and events.
Vogue has entered a new era as Chloe Malle officially takes over as the Head of Editorial Content for American Vogue, marking the end of Anna Wintour’s 37-year reign as editor-in-chief. At 39, Malle brings both experience and a fresh perspective to one of the most powerful roles in fashion publishing.
Having joined Vogue in 2011 as a social editor, Malle steadily built her reputation within the magazine. She became a contributing editor in 2016 and later led Vogue.com as editor, overseeing its digital growth. Her promotion places her at the center of shaping the brand’s next chapter while Wintour transitions into her broader global roles at Condé Nast.
Chloe Malle expressed both gratitude and determination as she stepped into her new responsibilities, describing herself as “fortunate to have Anna still as a mentor” and ready to steer the magazine into a more dynamic future. Wintour, in turn, commended Malle for her ability to blend Vogue’s iconic legacy with forward-thinking innovation.
Personal Legacy Meets Editorial Vision
Chloe Malle’s appointment comes with a unique personal backdrop. She is the daughter of actress Candice Bergen and the late French director Louis Malle—figures synonymous with cultural influence. Bergen even once portrayed a fictional Vogue editor on Sex and the City, a detail that now resonates with striking coincidence as her daughter takes on the role in reality.
While Malle has openly acknowledged her privileged background, she has also been vocal about the importance of defining her own professional path. She describes her family name as both an advantage and a motivator, driving her to work harder to prove her individuality in the competitive world of fashion journalism.
Editorially, Malle is already signaling significant changes. She envisions Vogue shifting away from its traditional monthly print schedule toward curated, high-quality collectible editions. These would be less frequent but crafted as cultural events in themselves, reflecting her belief that print must feel special in an increasingly digital age. Online, she advocates for carefully curated content targeting a more loyal, niche audience rather than mass, unfocused reach.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding her appointment, Chloe Malle inherits significant challenges. Vogue’s print influence has waned in recent years, with flagship issues shrinking in size and relevance compared to their heyday. The September issue, once a near-1,000-page showcase, has slimmed considerably, reflecting broader declines in print advertising.
The magazine, however, has successfully diversified revenue streams, with digital ventures, brand events, and high-profile productions such as the Met Gala and Vogue World now accounting for the majority of its income. Malle’s challenge will be to balance these profitable extensions with a reinvigorated editorial identity that keeps Vogue culturally dominant.
Colleagues describe her leadership style as approachable, creative, and more relaxed compared to Wintour’s famously exacting persona. Known for her humor and personable nature, Chloe Malle brings a fresh energy to the office culture—qualities that may help the magazine adapt to shifting reader expectations and a rapidly evolving media landscape.
As Chloe Malle takes her seat at the helm, she represents both continuity and change: a bridge between Vogue’s storied past and its uncertain but promising future. Whether she can restore its glossy prestige while embracing digital realities will define not just her tenure, but the magazine’s relevance in the years ahead.
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