Hello, hello, hello…
Anna Wintour’s extraordinary reign at Vogue may finally be approaching its last chapter.
Sources tell Naughty But Nice that insiders increasingly expect the fashion legend to announce her retirement soon, as frustration surrounding her leadership reaches a boiling point.
“People expect a retirement announcement,” a Vogue insider tells Naughty But Nice. “Maybe not tomorrow, but soon. Anna has had an extraordinary reign, but increasingly people believe we are watching its final chapter.”
The latest flashpoint was the controversial decision to honor John Galliano with a Costume Institute retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
That exhibition has now been canceled following intense criticism over Galliano’s past antisemitic and racist remarks.
Galliano announced that he did not want the controversy surrounding him to put the Met in a difficult position, acknowledging that an exhibition honoring his work would be painful for some.
But sources say the revolt inside fashion is no longer about one exhibition.
“This feels like a mutiny,” says the insider. “People who wouldn’t have dared question Anna five years ago are questioning her now. Something fundamental has changed.”
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin had publicly urged Wintour to reconsider honoring Galliano. The timing created another headache: the 2027 Met Gala is scheduled for May 3, coinciding with Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Wintour has survived controversies that would have destroyed lesser editors. But insiders say her once-unquestioned authority is weakening.
My new novel, Queen Elizabeth III, is available for pre-order right now
“For decades, Anna decided what was acceptable,” adds the source. “Now people are asking whether Anna herself has become the problem.”
After nearly four decades ruling fashion, the woman who decided when everyone else was in — or out — may finally be preparing her own exit.
And this time, Anna Wintour won’t be deciding who replaces her.
Cheers
Rob Shuter
And remember… if you’re going to be naughty, you’ve got to be nice. 💋
According to my research John Galliano has 15 years of sobriety and has apologized repeatedly for his antisemitic comments. Doesn't he deserve some grace?
Also it is not Anna Wintour's fault there have been a number of antisemitic attacks in NYC. She did not single handedly elect Mayor Mamdani leading people to think antisemitism is acceptable behavior.
At what point do we forgive and forget?