Want to gain respect and authority? The woman of steel in “The Devil Wears Prada” teaches you how to shine without asking for permission.
The industry has always been shrouded in mystery and glamour, but behind the glitzy covers and iconic designs lies hard work and bold decisions. Thus Anna Wintour, one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry, has paved her way to the top and redefined the fashion narrative throughout her career.
From her early days in London to her current role as Artistic Director of Condé Nast and Global Content Advisor at Vogue, the most powerful woman in the industry has amassed a treasure trove of knowledge that can serve as a guide for anyone aspiring to excel in the fashion industry.
Laying its Foundations in the World of Fashion
A Londoner by birth, she entered the fashion world at a young age thanks to the influence of her father, Charles Wintour, a respected editor of the British newspaper “The Evening Standard”. During Anna’s teenage years, he consulted her on how to make the paper appeal to a younger audience.
This environment also marked the beginning of his future passion for journalism and the determination that characterises him to this day. “I saw the way my father worked, at that time there were 14 or 15 editions a day, so there was no margin for error.
Later, in 1970, Anna took her first steps as an editorial assistant at Harper’s & Queen in London. This position immersed her in the hectic editorial activity of a fashion magazine and exposed her to a variety of aspects of the industry. “You have to learn about everything and be able to multitask. I think it gives you the strength and certainty that you’re not pigeonholed,” adds Wintour, in an interview about her career.
Anna’s Rise in New York
The real turning point in Anna Wintour’s career came when she moved to New York in 1975, where she continued her journey in fashion journalism by working for the US edition of Harper’s Bazaar. It was a springboard that led to her becoming fashion editor of New York magazine in 1980, cementing her reputation as an influential figure in the industry.
In 1983, at the age of 33, Anna was appointed Creative Director of Vogue America, under the direction of Grace Mirabella. Shortly afterwards, she returned to England as Editor-in-Chief of British VOGUE before jumping back to New York in 1987, where she took up the position of Editor-in-Chief of House & Garden. In less than a year, he won the same position at VOGUE America, a position he has held for more than three decades.
Reaching the Top in Industry
On the other hand, Anna Wintour has not only been the creative force behind VOGUE America, but her influence extends beyond that. In 2013, Anna was named Artistic Director of Condé Nast, which placed her at the helm of creative direction for all titles in the company’s portfolio except The New Yorker. This position gives him an essential role in corporate decision making, from digital strategies to brand expansions or reductions.
Later, in 2019, Anna took on the role of Global Content Advisor, overseeing VOGUE International, a hub that creates digital content for VOGUE editions around the world. Her responsibilities thus transcend the pages of a magazine, making her a crucial figure in global fashion strategy.
Desire to Encourage Artistic Expression: Recognition and Philanthropy
Anna Wintour has been honoured and recognised throughout her career. In 2008, she received the OOrder of the British Empire and, in 2017, the title of Lady Commander of the Order of the British Empire. The French Légion d’Honneur was added to her list of achievements in 2011.
Over the years, Anna has dedicated her time, resources and name to philanthropic causes. She supports the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, the Youth Anxiety Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and God’s Love We Deliver.
However, its most enduring and visible commitment is to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As such, her role as a trustee of the museum and her work in raising over $231 million for the Costume Institute through the annual gala demonstrates her influence in the community and her desire to preserve and promote the art and history of costume.
Izq: Anna Wintour. Fuente: Fairchild Archive / Penske Media / REX / Shutterstock. Dcha.: Anna Wintour, 1990. Fuente: Getty Images
Lessons from the Boss for Success in Fashion
In this revealing interview Anna shares key management tips that have been crucial to his success in the fashion industry.
1. Hire and build a great team: The importance of building an exceptional team should not be underestimated. Anna emphasises that diversity of talent is crucial to foster creativity and innovative thinking. A leader’s success depends largely on his or her ability to trust and empower his or her team.
2. Establish a system for monitoring work: Effective organisation and management of work is essential. Anna also advocates having a well-defined system for tracking tasks and ensuring operational efficiency.
3. Give prompt and direct feedback: Clear communication and effective feedback are essential components of management. Anna argues that being direct and giving clear feedback is critical to success.
4. Avoid micromanagement: Trust in the team and avoidance of micromanagement are hallmarks of Anna’s leadership style. She values independence and the ability of her employees to make decisions on behalf of the brand.
5. Have clear objectives when setting up meetings: Strategic and well-planned meetings are a vital part of management. Anna stresses the importance of planning meetings with a defined purpose, which ensures they are effective. She focuses on bringing in members who are self-sufficient and have different points of view, which add value. This allows her to delegate with confidence.
6. Have a long-term vision: She has always been a visionary woman. The Met Gala is an exceptional example of her ability to cast and execute a vision over time. “There are many ways to develop your point of view and expand your creative vision.
It’s also important not to spend too much time on your mobile phone and to spend as much time as you can on creative and cultural exposure,” adds Anna. She was the one who transformed a modest event into an annual celebration of fashion. This shows the importance of being patient, having a long-term approach and developing projects with a solid vision.
7. Communicate through images: The undisputed boss stresses the importance of working with photographers and models who share her vision and create content that makes an impact. In the fashion industry, where visual communication is key, understanding how to convey emotions and messages through images is crucial.
8. Making bold decisions: Anna’s legacy is marked by her courageous decision making. From controversial covers to breaking traditional industry expectations, the woman who sets the pace emphasises the importance of not fearing the unexpected and following your instincts to make a real impact. Her lessons are not only relevant to aspiring fashion moguls, but also provide essential guidance for anyone looking to stand out in a competitive industry.
“At the end of the day, if you work in fashion, you are guided by your heart, your talent and your instinct. If you start questioning what the people around you are doing, you lose that clarity. It’s key to listen and absorb information, but ultimately it has to come from within you,” says the current director of Vogue USA and also of global content at Condé Nast.
Left: Anna Wintour in the front row at the Anne Klein show, 2009. Right: Anna WIntour Paris Fashion Week Autumn WInter 2019
Her boundless energy and insatiable curiosity make her feared by many. From her early days at Harper’s & Queen, where she found inspiration in the iconic Rolling Stones and a society living on the edge, Anna Wintour has left an indelible mark on fashion. Her impact was evident from her legendary first US edition of VOGUE, when she challenged convention by casting model Michaela Bercu for the cover, highlighting a pair of Guess jeans instead of the expected.
But, the question inevitably arises: Can Anna Wintour be considered a forerunner in the industry?
While she did not invent fashion or journalism, her visionary approach, drive for innovation and willingness to challenge established norms have made her an unrivalled figure. Under her motto “own who you are without apology” she has made her opinion unquestionable and those who try to challenge her fall before a determination that knows no bounds.
