Anna Wintour Reflects on Fashion's Evolution and Her Iconic Style

Wintour's reflections come while promoting the Vogue exhibition, which showcases the history of fashion and catwalk shows, revealing her thoughts on punctuality, celebrity influence, and the importance of saying ‘no’ in a demanding industry.

Anna Wintour steps into the spotlight wearing her signature dark sunglasses, embodying the mystique she has cultivated over decades as the editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988. Our meeting occurs in the immersive exhibition “VOGUE: Inventing the Runway” held at Lightroom in London, a space that harnesses digital projection to create a unique experience showcasing the rich tapestry of fashion history.

When I inquire about the reason for her sunglasses, she offers a cryptic yet illuminating response: “They help me see and they help me not see. They are a prop, I would say.” The exhibition aims to illuminate the evolution of the fashion runway, drawing on Vogue’s vast archives and aiming to provide a front-row experience for attendees who may have never been to a live show.

Wintour describes how attending numerous shows can render one a bit jaded. She fondly recalls the late arrivals of certain designers, such as Marc Jacobs, whose tardy shows prompted attendees to demand punctuality, which he later maintained. Contrastingly, Wintour praises Gianni Versace for his commitment to starting shows on time, showing her appreciation for professionalism in the industry, as she herself prides herself on being “horribly punctual.”

The exhibition delves into the dramatic changes within the fashion world, depicting its past elitism compared to today’s widespread accessibility. Wintour notes how events like Pharrell Williams' show for Louis Vuitton marked a pivotal shift, transforming fashion into a shared cultural experience that resonates with millions. Through imaginative runway settings like Karl Lagerfeld’s spectacular shows, the boundaries of fashion continue to blur, creating opportunities for innovation and connection.

As a central figure in fashion for nearly 40 years, Wintour is key to events like the Met Gala, blending glamour with celebrity culture in a stunning annual spectacle. Although her persona often evokes comparisons to Miranda Priestly from "The Devil Wears Prada," when asked about her public image, Wintour insists her focus remains on creativity rather than appearances.

Moreover, while many speculate about the nature of her authority, Wintour maintains that hearing ‘no’ is crucial in her line of work, emphasizing the importance of constructive feedback. “No is a wonderful word,” she asserts, indicating her understanding of the industry's dynamics.

At 75, Wintour shows no signs of intending to step away from her influential role. With an unwavering commitment to Vogue and a keen awareness of the changing landscape of fashion and media, Wintour is not just a steward of style but a global ambassador for the fashion industry. The “VOGUE: Inventing the Runway” exhibition will continue to captivate audiences at Lightroom until April 2025, further solidifying her lasting legacy in fashion history.