Anna Wintour is finalizing her successor as head of U.S. Vogue, with Chloe Malle—daughter of actress Candice Bergen—emerging as the leading candidate. This transition marks the end of Wintour’s 37-year reign at the iconic fashion publication, with the new editor expected to start before New York Fashion Week in September.
Chloe Malle, a 39-year-old current editor at Vogue, is reportedly in the final stages of interviews to become Vogue’s next head of editorial content. As the daughter of Emmy-winning actress Candice Bergen and late filmmaker Louis Malle, her background blends Hollywood pedigree with fashion journalism credentials. She recently gained prominence for her Vogue interview with Lauren Sánchez ahead of Sánchez’s wedding to Jeff Bezos.
The leadership change was set in motion when Wintour announced her departure in June 2025, though she will retain her roles as Condé Nast’s global chief content officer and Vogue’s global editorial director. The selection process, led by Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch and Wintour herself, has narrowed candidates to four or five finalists. Among them is Nicole Phelps, global director of Vogue Runway.
Timing is critical, with the transition expected before New York Fashion Week (September 11-16, 2025). Sources indicate Malle is the frontrunner, though no official confirmation has been provided by Condé Nast. The decision reflects a deliberate succession plan rather than abrupt change, allowing continuity at the publication.
Wintour’s departure concludes a transformative era where she elevated Vogue into a cultural institution, pioneered high-profile initiatives like the Met Gala, and became fashion’s most influential figure. Her successor will inherit challenges including digital transformation and evolving consumer trends. Malle’s potential appointment signals a shift toward editors with multimedia savvy and celebrity-access networks.
Industry analysts highlight the significance of choosing an internal candidate familiar with Vogue’s operations. Malle’s decade-long tenure at the magazine positions her to maintain editorial vision while refreshing leadership. However, critics note the ongoing tension between fashion journalism and celebrity culture that her appointment might intensify.
Looking ahead, the new editor will immediately oversee Vogue’s September issue—the fashion industry’s most important edition—and navigate post-pandemic shifts in luxury branding. The decision is expected within weeks, concluding one of media’s most watched succession plans.