Anna Wintour's fashion career is a journey from bold to standard, with unforgettable marks throughout nearly four decades at Vogue.
On June 26, Anna Wintour announced that she would step down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue after 37 years. Her journey depicts one of the longest and most powerful careers in the fashion media industry, marking the evolution of her personal style from the rebellious days of the 80s to the stable icon of the 2020s.
Here are 15 outstanding fashion moments, reflecting the development of the "ice queen" of Vogue.
Appearing at the Costume Institute Gala in 1989, Wintour shone in a metallic gold suit, showing a strong personality far from the feminine floral style of the present.
That same year, at the CFDA awards, she chose a strapless dress, revealing her bare shoulders, a rare image of a Wintour who later always kept a low profile.
The short black and white animal print coat she wore to the launch of Tiffany's new men's fragrance in September 1989 demonstrates her early sense of individuality.
Anna Wintour at Lincoln Center in 1990. Fresh from her appointment at Vogue, Wintour opted for metallics as a nod to the fashion shift.
Anna Wintour, circa 1990, wearing an over-the-shoulder shirt at an event. The moment perfectly illustrates the oversized trend of the time.
This eye-catching outfit worn by Anna Wintour circa 1990 is said to be a precursor to her floral style in the 2020s, albeit in a more abstract and classic style.
The lemon-yellow coat demonstrates the fierceness and ambition of the emerging female leader. Photo taken in 1990.
Wintour's rainbow minidress from 1990 proves a timeless style, as it is still popular with some young fashionistas today.
In 1991, instead of bright prints, she opted for patterned black lace, a symbol of her experimental phase with a more minimalist look.
Her rare casual outfit was highlighted by her amber necklace, which is said to be the precursor to today's crystal necklaces.
The Vogue editor-in-chief's '90s style was very different from her signature style today.
At the 12th Burden Awards at the Rainbow Room in New York City in 1991, Wintour opted for a colorful, dance-ready look, a departure from her usual stoic look.
While she rarely wears all black, this 1992 look shows off her versatility when needed. "I'm totally fine with people wearing black," she said in a 2023 Vogue 73 Questions video.
Anna Wintour is rarely seen wearing monochrome outfits of any shade. But in the mid-'90s, she was happy to appear in head-to-toe pink.
Wintour's passion for fur has drawn fierce opposition from animal rights groups like PETA, but she's still going strong. Photo taken in 1997.
The leopard print halter dress from 1997 was a statement of glamour mixed with personality. However, this style has gradually given way to simplicity in recent years.