American Vogue has named Chloe Malle as its new head of editorial content, a move that many see as both expected and controversial. The 39-year-old insider is stepping into the most visible editorial role at the U.S. edition after Anna Wintour, who held the title of editor in chief for nearly four decades, officially stepped aside.
Malle’s appointment is being celebrated by some as a fresh direction for Vogue, but critics argue that this is not true change. Wintour remains Condé Nast’s chief content officer and Vogue’s global editorial director, meaning her influence will still loom over the brand. For those hoping Vogue would mark a clean break from Wintour’s era, Malle’s promotion feels more like continuity than transformation.
Malle has spent the past 14 years moving steadily through Vogue’s ranks. She began as social editor at 25, eventually editing Vogue.com and co-hosting the brand’s podcast, The Run Through. Along the way, she secured splashy exclusives, such as Naomi Biden’s White House wedding coverage and an in-depth profile of Lauren Sánchez ahead of her marriage to Jeff Bezos. While these achievements highlight her ability to blend celebrity and culture, critics question whether she brings enough of a disruptive vision to shake up a magazine that has often been accused of losing touch with younger audiences.
Vogue remains a powerful platform, but it is also navigating a tricky moment in media. Social platforms are dictating trends at lightning speed, while print magazines continue to decline. Malle’s digital experience is one reason she was chosen for the role, yet the challenge she faces is enormous. Can she balance the brand’s glossy legacy with a need for relevance in a fast-moving, opinion-driven culture?
The nepotism question has also surfaced. As the daughter of actress Candice Bergen and French director Louis Malle, Chloe comes from the kind of rarefied background Vogue has always been associated with. Critics argue that her rise reflects the publication’s ongoing ties to privilege rather than a bold embrace of diverse voices. Others counter that her work ethic and long track record inside Vogue make her a natural successor.
The timing of this leadership shift has raised eyebrows as well. Wintour’s decision to remain in global oversight means Malle’s independence will be tested immediately. Even industry insiders admit that the “buck still stops with Anna,” leaving observers to wonder how much real authority Malle will wield.
For Vogue readers and the fashion industry, the question is not just about who edits the magazine, but about what kind of Vogue will exist under Malle’s leadership. Will it stay a glossy monument to elite culture, or will it evolve into a more dynamic, accessible voice for fashion in the digital era? The answer may determine whether Vogue continues to lead or simply lingers on its reputation.
