Chloe Malle Takes on Role of Editor at Vogue

A New Era at Vogue: Chloe Malle Steps In

At 39, Chloe Malle takes on one of the most high-profile editorial roles in media, succeeding Anna Wintour — a figure who has shaped the fashion world for nearly four decades. While Wintour remains at Condé Nast as Chief Content Officer, Malle now holds the title of “head of editorial content” for American Vogue, marking a significant generational and cultural shift at the iconic publication.

Navigating a Legacy

For the first time in 37 years, American Vogue has a new editorial leader. Yet the transition is not a traditional handoff. Anna Wintour still retains her influence, overseeing 28 global editions and continuing to guide Vogue from her office down the hall. Malle acknowledges the unusual setup, describing Wintour as both mentor and teacher, while emphasizing her commitment to making the role distinctly her own.

A New Editorial Vision

Malle enters the role with bold ideas. Her proposal to Condé Nast centered on introducing “childlike excitement” into the magazine’s DNA. She advocates for fewer, theme-based print issues produced on high-quality paper, transforming them into collectible editions rather than disposable monthlies. Her first redesigned print edition is expected in 2026.

Digitally, Malle envisions a more curated and intentional Vogue.com. Instead of chasing clicks with generic trending pieces, she plans to focus on original, witty, and sharply observed content — highlighting stories that feel distinctively Vogue rather than blending into the online news cycle.

Balancing Tradition and Change

The challenges ahead for Malle mirror those facing all legacy media: declining print revenues, pressure to expand into events, entertainment, and digital-first strategies. Yet Vogue remains a cultural anchor, and Malle’s leadership reflects a shift from the “Devil Wears Prada” archetype toward a more approachable, charismatic editorial presence.

Her approach is rooted in inclusivity and creativity. Known for her easygoing style, she has been spotted dancing at runway shows and decorates her office with Lego models assembled by her son — a stark contrast to the austere image of old-school fashion editors.

Personal Background and Influences

Malle openly embraces her identity as a “nepo baby.” The daughter of filmmaker Louis Malle and actress Candice Bergen, she grew up immersed in culture and privilege, later studying at Brown University before carving out her career in journalism. She insists that her background, while advantageous, has fueled her determination to prove her worth through hard work.

Her journalism credentials are solid: from writing for The New York Observer to contributing to The New York Times, she has consistently built her own voice. At Vogue, she expanded digital wedding coverage by 30% and authored widely discussed features, including a polarizing cover story on Lauren Sánchez Bezos.

Looking Ahead

As Vogue evolves under Malle’s guidance, the publication faces the dual challenge of maintaining its authority while embracing innovation. Malle has already made clear that she does not intend to become a “lighter version” of Wintour. Instead, she is determined to put her own stamp on the brand, steering it toward a more selective, creative, and modern vision of fashion journalism.