The news broke this evening that the ice queen, the pope of fashion and the nuclear wintour is stepping down from Vogue.

Whilst some might dismiss this news. It is important. She is the RBG of fashion. AW and Grace Coddington are trailblazers and significant figures in fashion. A bit like the mannequin (ba-dum-tss!)

Her achievements are impossible to list. But I have to mention the met gala. From humble beginnings with big aspirations, AW turned this into an unmissable event that has raised ~$200m USD to date. The money raised supports fashion history. The met museum in NY which I have been fortunate enough to visit and have a tour with a private curator holds fashion pieces from the 15th century. Something in the region of 33k individual items. The funding also helps fund exhibits. The McQueen exhibition was indeed tragic in its beauty. Something Lee would have revelled in.

AW has been at the helm of the most influential publication since 1988. That is simply astonishing. During that time she has seen and navigated seismic changes. Even making the brave decision to put a male (Harry Styles) on the cover in 2020. The first male cover star in its 128 year history.

If you haven’t seen it, the September issue documentary is a must watch. The biggest edition of vogue happens in September, as it is a season transition month. The documentary goes behind the scenes to see the work that is involved. The late Andre Talley features, along with my favourite Isabella Blow. AW didn’t surround herself with ‘yes people’ she chose the best and supported the designers when they struggled. Tom Ford has spoken of her influence and invaluable support to the industry. 

The trademark bob and glasses made her appear aloof. It’s fashion darling, aloof is mandatory for someone as influential as her.

Her work will be remembered and written about for years to come, and isn’t it nice to see ‘one of own’ reach the top, and make New York her city. 

Along with Dylan Jones, she has been a hero to many, and nothing better can sum up her approach than something she said many years ago. Here it is.

“I want ‘Vogue’ to be pacy, sharp, and sexy – I’m not interested in the super-rich or infinitely leisured. I want our readers to be energetic executive women, with money of their own and a wide range of interests. There is a new kind of woman out there. She’s interested in business and money”.

She empowered women. She gave them confidence and embraced individuality. Even inspiring a wonderful movie and a broadway show that I saw in London last Christmas.

She will be missed, she will be remembered.

As the queen of timing, this might just be the right time to retire her heels and hand over the reigns. I can’t wait for the exhibition. 

PS – My Anna Wintour Kokeshi doll has just gone up in value!