In a stunning display of influence and style, Anna Wintour graces the cover of Vogue alongside Meryl Streep, marking a significant moment in the fashion world ahead of the highly anticipated sequel to *The Devil Wears Prada*. This May issue, due on newsstands on 28 April, not only aims to promote the iconic film’s sequel but also reaffirms Wintour’s enduring presence in the industry as she transitions into a new role while maintaining her authority over the magazine.
A Moment of Boldness
Traditionally, when someone departs from a magazine, colleagues often present them with a playful mock-up cover featuring their face. However, Wintour’s latest appearance is no mere farewell tribute; it’s a full-fledged showcase of her status as a cultural icon. The cover features the tagline “Seeing Double. When Miranda met Anna,” cleverly linking Wintour to Streep’s famed character, Miranda Priestly, the icy editor of the fictional *Runway* magazine.
This is a notable departure for Wintour, who has rarely appeared as a cover star herself. Although she has previously featured on the covers of other industry publications such as Interview and Ad Week, this marks the first time an editor has taken centre stage on Vogue. Both women are clad in Prada, a nod to the fashion house that has become synonymous with luxury and style.
The Power Play Behind the Cover
The announcement of Wintour’s cover came via Vogue’s Instagram, quickly garnering over 1.2 million likes, with celebrities and fans alike expressing their admiration. Model Gigi Hadid and actress Mindy Kaling both chimed in with enthusiastic comments, highlighting the cover’s cultural resonance and the excitement surrounding the film.
Yet this cover is more than just a promotional tool; it signals a pivotal moment in Wintour’s career. Following her announcement last year that she would be stepping back from her role as editor-in-chief, many perceived it as a retreat. However, her positioning on the cover serves as a powerful statement: she is still very much in charge. As chief content officer for Condé Nast and global editorial director for Vogue, Wintour retains ultimate control over the publication, while Chloe Malle now manages the day-to-day operations.
Mark Borkowski, a noted press consultant, emphasises the strategic brilliance of Wintour’s decision. “This is very much about Wintour not letting go of her power,” he states. “She believes she is the power.”
Crafting a New Narrative
The creative process behind the cover reflects the authority Wintour still commands. In a revealing editor’s letter, Malle recounted how the concept emerged during a car ride with Wintour, where Malle initially proposed the idea. Wintour dismissed it, suggesting it wasn’t in her style, but later, it took Streep’s persuasion to change her mind. This anecdote underscores how Wintour remains the key decision-maker within Vogue’s editorial team.
Wintour’s initial reaction to *The Devil Wears Prada* was cautious, as she attended the film’s premiere but was reluctant to comment on any parallels between herself and Priestly. However, her recent engagement with the character suggests a shift in perspective. The promotional materials accompanying the cover show Wintour embracing her playful side, contrasting sharply with Priestly’s cold persona. This newfound openness can be seen in Wintour’s light-hearted interactions at public events, such as her cheeky reference to Anne Hathaway’s character at the Oscars.
Shifting the Legacy
As Wintour embraces this new chapter, she is not merely marketing a film but also reshaping her legacy. Amy Odell, author of *Anna: The Biography*, notes that Wintour is a master visual editor who understands the impact of imagery and viral moments on public perception. This strategic move draws parallels to past iconic covers that helped redefine public figures during moments of controversy.
While Wintour is keen to delineate her personal brand from Vogue, the connections remain evident. As Priestly famously quipped, “Truth is, there is no one who can do what I do,” and as Wintour captures the spotlight once more, it’s clear that her influence in the fashion world remains unparalleled.
Why it Matters
Anna Wintour’s cover with Meryl Streep is not just a celebration of a beloved film but a powerful assertion of her ongoing relevance in the fashion industry. As she transitions into a new phase of her career, this bold move reinforces her status as a cultural powerhouse, illustrating how personal branding and legacy can intertwine in the world of fashion. As Wintour continues to shape the narrative around her image, she stands as a testament to the enduring impact of strong female leadership in an ever-evolving industry.
