50 Facts About Anna Wintour

Early Life and Family Background

Anna Wintour's journey to becoming a fashion icon began with her roots in London and a family deeply entrenched in journalism.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on November 3, 1949, in London, Anna Wintour was destined for a life in media, thanks to her father, Charles Wintour, the editor of the London Evening Standard, and her philanthropist mother, Elinor Wintour.

2. Family Background: The Wintour family had considerable wealth and a strong journalism background. Her father was a prominent figure in British journalism, and her siblings followed suit, with Patrick Wintour becoming the diplomatic editor of The Guardian.

3. Education: Wintour attended the North London Collegiate School, where she began showing her rebellious streak by altering her school uniform to fit her style.

Career Beginnings

Anna's early career steps laid the foundation for her future dominance in the fashion industry.

4. Career Beginnings: At 15, she started working at the London boutique Biba, where she also adopted her iconic bob haircut.

5. Harrods Training Program: After leaving school, she joined a teenage training program at Harrods, further honing her skills in fashion.

6. Editorial Assistant at Harper's Bazaar UK: Her first job in fashion journalism was as an editorial assistant at Harper's Bazaar UK, where she boldly declared her ambition to edit Vogue.

Rise in Fashion Journalism

Anna's innovative ideas and bold moves quickly set her apart in the fashion journalism world.

7. Innovative Shoots: At Harper's Bazaar UK, she organized shoots featuring models in go-go boots recreating famous paintings, showcasing her creative vision.

8. Move to New York City: In 1975, she moved to New York City to work as a junior fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar, where her innovative shoots gained attention.

9. Fashion Editor at Viva: She then became a fashion editor at Viva, a women's adult magazine, where she hired her first personal assistant and began building her reputation as a demanding boss.

Vogue and Beyond

Anna Wintour's tenure at Vogue transformed the magazine and solidified her status as a fashion powerhouse.

10. Celebrity Covers: Her work on celebrity covers, such as the one featuring Rachel Ward, demonstrated her knack for attracting attention and selling copies.

11. Editorial Career at Vogue: In 1983, she became the creative director of American Vogue, and by 1988, she was the editor-in-chief, revolutionizing the magazine.

12. Reviving American Vogue: Under her leadership, Vogue became a sharp, sexy publication appealing to energetic, executive women.

Iconic Style and Personality

Anna's distinctive style and personality have become iconic in the fashion world.

13. Iconic Pageboy Haircut: Her pageboy haircut, first worn at 15, has remained largely unchanged and is a key part of her image.

14. Large Sunglasses: Her large sunglasses are another signature, worn to keep her reactions at fashion shows private.

15. Demanding Personality: Known for her demanding nature, she insists her staff always look fashion-forward and rail-thin, leading to some criticism.

Influence and Impact

Anna Wintour's influence extends far beyond her role at Vogue, shaping the fashion industry and beyond.

16. Fashion Trends: Praised for her skill in identifying emerging fashion trends, her ability to spot and promote new styles is unmatched.

17. Aloof Demeanor: Often described as cold and difficult to work for, her aloof demeanor has contributed to her reputation as a demanding boss.

18. Family Life: Married child psychiatrist David Shaffer in 1984, with whom she had two children, Charlie and Bee, before divorcing in 1999.

19. Children's Influence: Despite her tough exterior, she cites her children as her weaknesses. Charlie is a doctor, and Bee worked as a producer at Late Night With Seth Meyers.

20. Fashion Icon: Known for her impeccable style, she often wears Chanel suits with midiskirts, a signature part of her wardrobe.

Financial Success and Philanthropy

Anna's financial success and philanthropic efforts further highlight her multifaceted influence.

21. Net Worth: Estimated at $50 million, with an annual salary ranging from $2 million to $4 million, plus a $200,000 clothing allowance from Condé Nast.

22. Met Gala Chairperson: Since 1995, she has presided over the Met Gala, one of the most exclusive and influential fashion events globally.

23. Fashion World Influence: Her opinions and decisions often set trends and standards in the fashion industry.

24. Criticism and Controversy: Despite her influence, she has faced criticism for her demanding personality and decisions, such as featuring the Kardashian family on Vogue's cover.

25. Support for Hillary Clinton: An active supporter of Hillary Clinton, she endorsed her for president, reflected in Vogue's official endorsement in 2008.

26. Fundraising Efforts: Involved in fundraising for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, her commitment to politics and social causes is evident.

Philosophy and Relationships

Anna's philosophy on fashion and her relationships within the industry have shaped her career.

27. Fashion Philosophy: Emphasizes energy, executive women, and a wide range of interests, creating a magazine that is pacy, sharp, and sexy.

28. Relationship with Grace Coddington: Her sometimes-difficult relationship with creative director Grace Coddington was highlighted in the documentary The September Issue.

29. Fashion Trends in the 2000s: Faced criticism for her influence on fashion trends, particularly her emphasis on thin models and high-end fashion.

30. Fashion in a Tough Economy: Defended fashion's relevance during the 2009 economic downturn, arguing it is about culture and creativity, not just clothes.

Cultural Impact

Anna Wintour's impact on culture extends beyond fashion, influencing contemporary media and societal attitudes.

31. Fashion and Politics: Blurred the lines between fashion and politics, with decisions like featuring the Kardashian family on Vogue's cover seen as both marketing and cultural commentary.

32. Fashion Iconography: Her image, including her bob, sunglasses, and Chanel suits, has become synonymous with fashion iconography.

33. Fashion Photography: Instrumental in shaping fashion photography, her innovative shoots with photographers like Helmut Newton set new industry standards.

34. Fashion Journalism: Began her career in fashion journalism at a young age, hired as one of the first editorial assistants at Harper's & Queen.

35. Fashion Industry Impact: Influenced designers, models, and photographers, making her a crucial figure in shaping contemporary fashion trends.

36. Fashion Exhibitions: Involved in various fashion exhibitions, including the annual Costume Institute exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

37. Fashion Trends Identification: Praised for her ability to identify emerging fashion trends, promoting them through Vogue.

38. Fashion Industry Leadership: Her leadership in the fashion industry is unparalleled, driving many significant events and trends.

39. Fashion Icon Status: Named one of the 50 best-dressed over 50s by The Guardian, she continues to inspire generations of fashion enthusiasts.

40. Fashion World Influence on Politics: Her opinions on politics and social issues have been widely reported, making her a significant figure in contemporary media.

Legacy and Criticism

Anna Wintour's legacy in fashion journalism and the broader industry is profound, despite facing criticism.

41. Fashion Journalism Legacy: Transformed Vogue into one of the most influential and respected fashion magazines globally.

42. Fashion Industry Criticism: Faced criticism for perceived elitism and exclusivity, with an emphasis on high-end fashion leading to accusations of being out of touch with the average consumer.

43. Fashion Iconography Evolution: Her image has evolved, consistently pushing the boundaries of fashion iconography from her early days at Harper's Bazaar to her current role at Vogue.

44. Fashion Photography Legacy: Her influence on fashion photography is significant, with innovative shoots setting new industry standards.

45. Fashion Industry Leadership Style: Known for her strong personality and high standards, she looks for employees who can argue and disagree, reflecting her competitive nature.

46. Fashion World Impact on Culture: Her impact on culture extends beyond fashion, shaping societal attitudes and trends.

47. Fashion Iconography in Popular Culture: Her image has appeared in popular culture, symbolizing power and influence.

48. Fashion Industry Philanthropy: Involved in various philanthropic efforts, including fundraising for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

49. Fashion Journalism Ethics: Faced criticism regarding ethics in fashion journalism, with accusations of promoting an unattainable beauty standard.

50. Fashion Industry Legacy: Transformed Vogue into one of the most influential magazines globally, shaping contemporary fashion trends and setting new standards for fashion journalism and photography.

Anna Wintour's Lasting Impact

Anna Wintour has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Her tenure at Vogue transformed the magazine into a powerhouse, setting trends and standards that ripple through the fashion world. Known for her iconic bob and large sunglasses, she’s become a symbol of fashion authority. Her demanding personality and high standards have both inspired and intimidated those around her. Despite controversies, her ability to spot trends and influence culture remains unmatched. From her early days at Harper's Bazaar to her leadership at the Met Gala, Wintour's career is a testament to her vision and determination. Her legacy in fashion journalism and beyond continues to shape the industry, making her one of the most significant figures in contemporary fashion. Anna Wintour's influence is undeniable, and her contributions will be felt for generations to come.