Anna Wintour Taps Chloe Malle as Vogue Successor: What to Know

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Chloe Malle has some big sunglasses to fill.

In June, Anna Wintour, who was previously serving as editor-in-chief of Vogue, announced her resignation. She subsequently chose the current editor of Vogue.com to take over as her successor.

In a press release acquired by NBC News on September 2, Chloe expressed her excitement and awe about how rapidly fashion and media are developing, stating, “I am delighted to be a part of this incredible evolution.” Moreover, she added that she considers herself incredibly fortunate to have Anna, her mentor, nearby.

While Chloe won’t secure the editor-in-chief position at Vogue U.S., she will take on a different role as the head of editorial content instead. Anna, who has recently transitioned into her new job as chief content officer for Condé Nast, will continue to supervise Chloe. In this capacity, Anna oversees prominent brands such as WIRED, Vanity Fair, GQ, Glamour, Bon Appétit, and several others under the Condé Nast publisher.

In simpler terms, Anna informed her team (as reported by NBC through a memo), “When deciding who would edit American Vogue, I realized this was my only opportunity to make the right choice. This decision would allow me to focus more on Vogue’s expansion and events like the Met Gala and Vogue World, as well as its diverse readership across various publications globally.

With a fresh leader taking charge, the 75-year-old expressed her enthusiasm for embracing this new role, following 37 years of service as an editor-in-chief.

She expressed in a June statement through Vogue that her greatest joy lies in empowering the upcoming generation of enthusiastic editors to innovate and shape their vision of the media landscape. This is the type of individual we should now seek to fill the position of HOEC for US Vogue, she added.

Anna stated that she will continue to oversee the magazine’s annual Met Gala and help shape Vogue’s future, jokingly adding that she plans to stay as Vogue’s tennis and theater editor forever. However, she is excited about her upcoming editorial partner in the new role.

She expressed her excitement by saying, “It’s going to be exciting working with someone fresh who will push us, motivate us, and help us approach Vogue in numerous creative ways.” To discover more about Chloe, continue reading.

How long has Chloe Malle been at Vogue?

In 2011, Chloe started working at Vogue as the social editor for their fashion outlet. She held this position for five years before being promoted to a contributing editor. During her tenure in this role, she was responsible for writing features, managing special projects, and serving as the sittings editor. In 2023, Chloe was further promoted to the editor of Vogue.com. Notably, she recently interviewed Lauren Sanchez Bezos for her June Vogue cover story.

Over the past ten years, at the age of 39, Chloe has also edited multiple books, such as “Vogue Living: City, Country, Coast,” “Vogue and The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute: Parties, Exhibitions, People,” and “Vogue Weddings: Brides, Dresses, Designers.

What will Chloe Malle do as Head of Editorial Content for Vogue U.S. and when does she start?

In her fresh position, Malle will now oversee the artistic and content-writing aspects for the publication, and she’ll be part of a global team of 10 Heads of Editorial Content, all led by Anna Wintour. Notably, this change takes effect right away.

How long has Chloe Malle been at Vogue?

In 2011, Chloe started working at Vogue as their social editor for fashion. After spending five years in this position, she was promoted to a contributing editor. During her time in this role, she wrote features, managed special projects, and served as the sittings editor. Subsequently, in 2023, she was promoted again to become the editor of Vogue.com. More recently, Chloe conducted an interview with Lauren Sanchez Bezos for her June cover story on Vogue.

Over the past ten years, Chloe has edited numerous books, such as “Vogue Living: City, Country, Coast,” “Vogue and The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute: Parties, Exhibitions, People,” and “Vogue Weddings: Brides, Dresses, Designers.” She is currently 39 years old.

What will Chloe Malle do as Head of Editorial Content for Vogue U.S. and when does she start?

According to the press statement, Malle has been tasked with spearheading both the creative and editorial aspects for the publication, positioning her among a global team of ten Head of Editorial Content leaders, all overseen by Anna Wintour. This new role takes effect right away.

How will Chloe Malle run Vogue differently than Anna Wintour?

In her conversation with The New York Times, Chloe expressed that whoever assumes this role must not merely imitate Anna, but rather, they need to bring their unique perspective for the project to thrive. She further emphasized on September 2 that establishing her own identity within the project is crucial for its success; there should be a significant change that clearly distinguishes it as her work.

According to The New York Times report, Chloe proposed changing the magazine’s release strategy by publishing print issues centered around specific cultural themes or events instead of adhering to a monthly schedule. Regarding online readers, she expressed her intent to cater to a more focused, leaner, and presumably healthier audience.

Are Chloe Malle’s parents famous ?

Absolutely! Chloe is the daughter of esteemed director Louis Malle and renowned actress Candice Bergen, who graduated from Brown University. In her own words to The New York Times, she identifies as a ‘nepotism baby’ with pride. She acknowledged that her upbringing has undeniably provided her significant advantages, yet emphasized that it has also driven her to work tirelessly throughout her life to demonstrate that she is more than just Candice Bergen’s daughter or someone from Beverly Hills.

As fans wait to see how Chloe leads Vogue, read on for secrets about the Met Gala.

Should fortune smile upon you with a coveted invitation to the most significant annual fashion event, a single pass will set you back by $30,000, whereas a table for the night would be priced at an impressive $275,000.

Fortunately, it’s not necessary for everyone to pay for attendance, as Anna Wintour is renowned for inviting emerging designers to the gala. Additionally, the celebrities who are invited expressly to showcase a designer’s work on the red carpet don’t usually have to cover the costs either.

Even though the high price doesn’t seem to discourage the fashion-forward crowd, there is in fact a waiting list for it.

Cameron Silver, a vintage store owner who has been to the event multiple times, shared with Page Six in 2017 that there are individuals who know about society names but haven’t secured a ticket. They are prepared to attend if a last-minute seat suddenly becomes available at the event. Even days before the occasion, these people have their outfits already arranged, just in case they get the chance to attend.

The attendance range can be quite different, with around 500 people being considered intimate and charming, while any event that attracted more than 800 guests in the past, such as the Met Gala, is viewed as excessively large.

Sylvana Ward Durrett from Vogue explained to Fast Company in 2017 that they aim for a cozy atmosphere for their guests. To achieve this, they have reduced the number of attendees significantly over the past few years, dropping it by nearly 200-300 people.

Although known for its grandeur and glamour, the organizers aim to create an exclusive atmosphere for the fortunate few who are invited, with Anna Wintour typically spearheading the guest list, limiting it to about 500. As heard in “The First Monday in May”, Ward Durrett was overheard saying, “We want to maintain an intimate setting because that’s what draws people to this event.

Just because a celebrity is invited, it doesn’t necessarily mean that their significant other will be granted automatic entry as well. Instead, the partner should also receive an invitation separately.

After the first Monday in May, there’s no time for relaxation as preparations for the event typically begin on the following Tuesday. It’s important to note that around 100 individuals, including a team of 10 full-time Vogue staff members, work tirelessly on this event throughout the year.

According to Vogue’s former director of special projects, Ward Durrett, I am particularly fond of a single-page summary. We maintain a continuous task list that only seems to expand as we approach the deadline, and we routinely go through this list, sometimes even if it means repetition.

In simpler terms, the first item on her list is a tent. By detailing all aspects related to it, she can visualize the entire event from start to finish, ensuring no crucial details are overlooked.

Anna Wintour plays a remarkably detailed role in all aspects, according to the late Vogue contributing editor Andre Leon Talley in “The First Monday in May”. He noted that she diligently reviews every detail, from table settings like napkins and forks, to lighting arrangements, flower decorations, and even the attire of event ushers. This meticulous review process can span months or even weeks before an event.

Instead of keeping details about her famous Chanel gown under wraps, Vogue contributing editor Plum Sykes mentioned to The New York Post that Anna Wintour maintains a secretive approach, avoiding any leaks about her plans or activities until the last possible moment, when she makes her grand entrance on the red carpet.

If you’ve ever struggled with setting up seats for a wedding, you might get a glimpse into the complexity involved in creating the seating plan for the Met Gala. This detail is one of the most significant elements that the event team spends a considerable amount of time on, carefully arranging guests based on shared interests and connections.

Ward Durrett noted in The First Monday in May that there is considerable planning involved in deciding who sits next to whom at events. This includes considering if they sat together previously, if they’ve been seated together at other functions, and it’s quite surprising how much thought goes into this seating arrangement, effectively referring to it as power-brokering.

Indeed, every year, the layout for the seating gets altered significantly as the event evolves, with Ward Durett explaining to Vogue that she found it beneficial to purchase Velcro instead of post-it notes to minimize mistakes. “There have been numerous revisions of the seating plan,” she stated. “At the beginning, we only had tiny stickers, and it was a disaster-things kept falling off, people were getting misplaced, and names needed constant rewriting.

Utilizing a color-coding system is often employed, especially when following the pattern of female-male-female-male seating arrangement if feasible, as suggested by Ward Durrett. Interestingly enough, one crucial guideline that might catch you off guard is this: “Avoid seating spouses next to each other.” According to her, the main purpose behind these gatherings is to network and engage with new individuals, exploring their interests. If you’re here to socialize solely with your partner, what’s the fun in that? So, I’m afraid for Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, this rule might call for a separation!

At every event, there’s typically a seating area with the best views, often located near the kitchen or restrooms. The Met Gala is no different – these prime seats tend to rotate among designers annually.

And Wintour is deeply engaged in the process, famously reprimanding her team for attempting to conceal the H&M table in a scene from The First Monday in May. “We shouldn’t hide this table,” she asserted, “frankly, that’s not right.

As a fashion enthusiast, I must acknowledge that even though H&M, Topshop, and Zara aren’t considered high-end luxury brands or ateliers, they have managed to make a significant impact during the biggest night in fashion. In 2015, H&M secured a remarkable victory when Sarah Jessica Parker graced the red carpet wearing a custom gown designed especially for her, which was no small feat indeed!

At one of the most prestigious events, it’s nearly inevitable that Hollywood exes and complicated friendships find themselves sitting next to each other. For instance, remember when Selena Gomez and The Weeknd attended an event alongside his ex, Bella Hadid? In such situations, during peak feuds like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry’s, it would seem inappropriate for them to be seated together at the same table. However, the grandeur of the occasion often overpowers any personal tensions among attendees.

Ward Durrett noted that it’s impossible to please everyone. Even though we strive to make sure every seat in our venue is comfortable, it’s unavoidable that some may not be completely satisfied. However, we are proud of our strong track record, as dissatisfied patrons are rare. In such cases, we make a point to improve and better manage expectations the following year by working more closely with those individuals.

In a noteworthy moment from the film “First Monday in May“, Ward Durrett strategically positioned three small Velcro tags next to her seating chart, hinting directly at Anna Wintour, “These are individuals I’d appreciate if they were to step away.

Unfortunately, not everyone seemed content with their designated seats, as fashion critic Cathy Horn pointed out in her 2006 article for The New York Times. In particular, John Lydon, famously known as Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols, found himself seated last at a long table, which appeared to be one of the least desirable spots in the carefully arranged seating arrangement. Visibly upset, he left twice, swearing at museum staff members.

He eventually took his seat.

Back in 2018, I found myself all worked up as James Corden on The Late Late Show asked the one and only Anna Wintour about a celebrity she’d never extend an invitation to at the Met Gala.

To that, she replied: “Regarding Donald Trump,” he was indeed among them. The Trumps, specifically Donald and Melania, have made appearances at the Met Gala on numerous occasions throughout the years. However, it’s been since 2012 that they graced those renowned stairs together.

Another well-known figure alleging exclusion from the Met Gala? Previously, Tim Gunn – a former mentor on ‘Project Runway’ – asserted he was blacklisted by Anna Wintour following his disclosure of an incident to The Post that she found unfavorable.

He remarked on TopMob’s Fashion Police in 2016, “Complete chaos erupted, it was unbelievable,” he said. “Ever since then, we’ve been engaged in a full-blown conflict.

Indeed, I can confirm that dinner is indeed part of the event’s schedule, a detail even Stephen Colbert has highlighted. Apparently, all attendees have to hold back until Ms. Wintour takes her seat before we can all start enjoying our meal.

And, like every other aspect, Wintour is heavily involved in the menu planning for each gala. 

A Vogue employee reportedly shared with The Post that Wintour enforced a rule against using ingredients like parsley, which might get lodged in one’s teeth, or excessive amounts of garlic, which could cause bad breath, and worst of all, those capable of staining gowns. As a result, the appetizers are designed to be easily consumed.

Wintour often favors food choices aligning with the theme, but it doesn’t always go as planned.

As a devoted admirer and follower, I’d like to share insights from Sean Driscoll, the esteemed proprietor of Glorious Food. Known for catering every Met Gala from 1995 through 2018, he shared an interesting tale about a menu choice made for the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” theme in 2011. During that year, our chef decided to serve lamb potpies as part of the menu. However, it seems that several guests had specific dietary preferences and preferred not to partake in this particular dish, resulting in a number of special requests being made.

Not only do they desire aesthetically pleasing food, but it’s also revealed that Andrew Rossi, the director of “The First Monday in May,” was taken aback by the precision involved. During a tasting, he even witnessed Anna Wintour scrutinizing food presentations on her phone, comparing them to various options available.

It remains unclear what specifically led to the establishment of this rule, as no formal justification has been provided for prohibiting selfies and social media use at this prestigious, envy-invoking occasion. However, it was indeed Anna Wintour who imposed this rule back in 2015.

During that period, a Vogue insider shared with Pret-a-Reporter that a message was sent to all guests, advising them that taking photographs or posting on social media with their phones would not be allowed during the gala.

Instead of commenting on the report, the magazine stated that the issue was related to ensuring guests’ safety and enjoyment at the event.

In a scene from the documentary The First Monday in May, it was evident that Anna Wintour disapproved of phones at the event, as she expressed her frustration when she found out a famous male attendee had changed his mind about attending after initially declining. Upon learning this, she asked Ward Durrett, “Couldn’t he manage to stay off his phone throughout?

During an interview with The Post, Ward Durrett described Anna as someone who prefers classic traditions. She enjoys social gatherings where guests engage in meaningful conversations. While they don’t hover over others, they may subtly nudge people if necessary to maintain a conducive environment for conversation.

Despite Wintour’s prohibition, celebrity shutterbugs have repeatedly disregarded the rule, as demonstrated by instances such as Kylie Jenner’s notable bathroom selfie during the 2017 event, despite the ban.

To put it simply, the big event requires attendees to be at least 18 years old. This rule was enforced for the 2018 Met Gala following Maddie Ziegler’s disclosure that she couldn’t attend due to her age (15 at the time). As she explained to The Hollywood Reporter, “I can’t go because I’m not old enough!

The event organizer clarified to THR that the event is not suitable for individuals who are underage, as a new rule was implemented that year requiring attendees to be 18 or older.

Before 2018, notable young attendees included Jaden Smith and Willow Smith (who were 17 and 15 respectively in 2016), Elle Fanning making her debut at the event when she was 13 years old, and Hailee Steinfeld attending her first Met Gala at age 14.

However, it appears that there’s an exception for the young trendsetters in Hollywood: If their parents are present, minors are allowed to join in.

While Wintour holds the ultimate decision-making power regarding each attendee’s outfit, it’s important to note that these looks don’t necessarily require her explicit approval. However, she remains informed about every outfit gracing the well-known red carpet.

As an ardent admirer of fashion’s finest, let me tell you, each celeb is like a canvas for a talented designer – it’s just like getting creative assignments! That’s according to Andre Leon Talley in “The First Monday in May”. He was even talking about the legendary Riccardo Tisci, ex-creative director of Givenchy, who transformed Beyoncé and Madonna for the 2016 Met Gala. Riccardo explained that each designer carries their own creative muse, and they choose a person who best embodies their unique style – it’s like finding the perfect model for your masterpiece!

Essentially, it can be said that the appearance of celebrities at events is primarily influenced by the fashion designer who extends an invitation to them.

Every year’s gala features a specific theme, like the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” in 2024 and “Camp: Notes on Fashion” in 2019. However, there are no rigid rules about how guests or designers should interpret these themes.

The theme for the event is carefully chosen by Andrew Bolton, who has been the dedicated curator at The Costume Institute in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, over a year before it takes place. He selects something that holds cultural significance.

As a lifestyle expert, I strive to focus my efforts on themes that resonate with the current cultural climate or signal an impending shift, much like what I shared during my conversation with Vogue. My approach involves curating a diverse array of shows, ensuring they’re dynamic and engaging, oscillating between subjects from different eras. This blending of thematic exhibitions with monographic displays dedicated to a single designer keeps our offerings fresh and captivating for all audiences.

After refining his selection, he submits it for the museum director’s review, with Wintour giving final approval approximately a year in advance.

The respected curator from Britain clarified that completing the task would be challenging without Anna’s assistance. Anna identifies suitable sponsors for the exhibition. Occasionally, I might come up with an idea that isn’t particularly grand or well-liked by sponsors.

After strolling down the red carpet and successfully navigating the famous steps, guests will then approach Wintour and other hosts (with Bad Bunny, Zendaya, Chris Hemsworth, and Jennifer Lopez being part of the 2024 lineup). This is usually done in a receiving line, which can be quite lengthy due to all the air kisses and friendly conversations exchanged.

Following that, guests are given the opportunity to explore The Costume Institute’s exhibition prior to its public opening. Afterward, it’s time for dining, socializing, and networking, featuring music, dancing, and captivating performances by artists such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga.

As a devoted admirer, I must admit that one of the most challenging facets when organizing the grand Met Gala revolves around securing and coordinating the captivating performances by our esteemed artists.

In the well-known account found in the film “The First Monday in May“, Ward Durrett encountered a significant financial dilemma regarding the possibility of securing Rihanna for that year’s event.

She noted that Rihanna’s yet-to-be-disclosed payment was roughly double what we’ve ever paid for any artist before, following her discussion with someone from her management team. They’re uninterested in negotiating a lower figure.

Eventually, Wintour was called to step in and figure out the situation.

At the event, celebrities can also have their personal security personnel present, aside from the security staff provided by the museum for the red carpet.

Indeed, it’s the valuables, particularly the jewels, that demand the most protection and attention. For instance, in one occasion, Blake Lively adorned herself with jewels worth an astonishing $3.5 million. On another event, Karlie Kloss graced us with a stunning display of Forevermark jewels, valued at approximately $2.5 million.

A Forevermark representative informed TopMob News that due to the exceptionally high worth of the items, the complete security protocol remains confidential. However, a security personnel is always on duty until the pieces are securely returned. Extra precautions, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tracking and video surveillance, are also implemented for added protection.

So yes, Ocean’s 8 definitely got that aspect of the Met Gala right.

At the Met Gala, most dresses are either custom-made or borrowed from a designer’s archive collection. Typically, these gowns are not kept by the celebrities who wear them; instead, they are returned to the design house and stored in their archives.

In 2018, Olivier Rousteing from Balmain collaborated with Bono’s RED organization to auction off unique items that famous personalities like Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, and Trevor Noah had worn. All the revenue generated was donated directly to the Global Fund run by the foundation.

2021’s event mandated that attendees don face masks and show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination, causing rapper Nicki Minaj to opt out of the stylish events instead.

Minaj stated on Twitter that they are encouraging you to get vaccinated for an event called ‘The Met.’ However, Minaj mentioned that she won’t get vaccinated for ‘The Met.’ Instead, she plans to conduct thorough research before deciding. In the meantime, she advises everyone to stay safe and wear a mask with two strings that securely fits both head and face, not a loose one.

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2025-09-02 17:19