Anna Wintour, the legendary figure synonymous with American Vogue, has officially announced her departure as editor-in-chief after a remarkable 37-year tenure. The 75-year-old made the announcement during a staff meeting, confirming the end of an era that began in 1988 when she took the helm from Grace Mirabella. Wintour’s leadership not only transformed Vogue’s editorial direction but also redefined the magazine’s relationship with both fashion and popular culture, making it a global authority in the industry.

Wintour’s first cover in November 1988 set the tone for her legacy, featuring model Michaela Bercu in a $50 pair of jeans and a $10,000 Christian Lacroix jacket—a bold departure from Vogue’s traditional, polished imagery. This instinctive blend of high and low fashion became her signature, and over the decades, she pushed boundaries by featuring celebrities and diverse personalities on the cover, influencing the entire magazine industry to follow suit. Her editorial choices often sparked conversation and controversy, but always kept Vogue at the center of cultural relevance.

Beyond her editorial vision, Wintour’s reign saw her become a powerful tastemaker, shaping the careers of designers, photographers, and stylists worldwide. She is credited with elevating the annual Met Gala into a globally recognized event and using her platform to champion new talent and causes within the fashion world. Wintour’s influence extended far beyond the pages of Vogue, impacting the broader conversation around style, celebrity, and social issues.

While Wintour is stepping down from her daily role at American Vogue, she will remain deeply involved at Condé Nast as global chief content officer and Vogue’s global editorial director. The search for her successor is already underway, but her ongoing presence ensures her vision will continue to shape the company’s editorial brands, including GQ, Vanity Fair, Glamour, and more.