DON'T MISS A THING

Here at Love Happens, we adore a women empowerment moment. Our Women Empowerment series has been one of our most iconic—and for good reason. Today, we celebrate a highly successful businesswoman who is also hailed as one of the top fashion icons of all time: Anna Wintour.

British-born Wintour was the longtime editor-in-chief of Vogue, serving the magazine for over 37 years. In 2025, she announced her transition into Vogue’s global editorial director, allowing someone else to fill in her fabulous shoes as editor-in-chief. In addition, she acts as the chief content officer, artistic director, and editorial director of Condé Nast—quite the repertoire! 

Wintour is best known for her intellect, leadership, ability to spot fashion trends, and support of young designers and up-and-coming models. Her undeniable decisiveness—often perceived as “b*tchiness”—is what has given her an ice queen reputation.

Melting Away the Ice

Wintour grew up in a considerably wealthy family in London to parents Charles and Elinor. She became somewhat of a trailblazer and rebel during her early years. She dropped out of finishing school—where she got in trouble for taking up the hemline of her skirts—in favor of exploring 1960s London while flaunting her signature bob. 

Her father nudged her toward the fashion industry while inspiring her to develop his sense of drive and management style during his time as editor at the London Evening Standard.

Climbing Her Way to the Top

Before Vogue, Wintour got her start as an editorial assistant for Harpers & Queen magazine. She worked her way up, nabbing editorial positions at Harper’s Bazaar and Viva. She became the fashion editor at Savvy, then joined New York magazine before taking over the role of chief editor of British Vogue. Her tireless drive and impressive prowess were her best assets as she strutted her way through the fashion industry.

Making Over Everything in Her Path

When Wintour became head of British Vogue, she wanted to make major changes. “I want Vogue to be pacy, sharp, and sexy,” she told the London Daily Telegraph. “There is a new kind of woman out there. She doesn’t have time to shop anymore. She wants to know what and why and where and how.”

Wintour also made over Home and Garden—which she renamed HG—in 1987 before being named editor-in-chief at Vogue. At a time where Vogue’s future was uncertain and feared of being complacent, Wintour refreshed the magazine, restoring its iconic status. Additionally, she backed the magazine’s huge issues—one of which being 832 pages long.

It was somewhere around this time when Wintour first donned her signature sunglasses. No matter rain or shine, she has worn them indoors and outdoors for decades. It’s deemed that this was all a part of the daring and innovative choices she made during her reign at Vogue.

In a 2024 interview with BBC, Wintour made a rare comment about her sunglasses: “They help me see, and they help me not see. They help me be seen and not be seen. They are a prop, I would say.”

Blazing New Trails

Wintour was behind many firsts in the fashion industry. Instead of highlighting supermodels on her magazines’ covers, she showcased celebrities and lesser-known models. She also was the first to use both expensive pieces and lower-priced pieces at her photoshoots. She helped form the careers of iconic designers such as Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs, furthering the world of fashion as we know it today.

Wintour is also the only permanent co-chair member for the Met Gala; she has the final say on the gala’s theme, atmosphere, decor, menu, and guest list. When it comes to the world of fashion, the Met Gala has cemented its place as the night to make statements and turn heads. It’s all thanks to Wintour, who—since 1995—has transformed the event into a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers.

Molding the Anna Wintour Reputation

Wintour was not one to mince words to anyone. Once nicknamed the “Wintour of Our Discontent,” she was also the inspiration of the book (and later film adaptation) The Devil Wears Prada, written by one of her former assistants, Lauren Weisberger. 

Despite her sharp critical tongue, she has spread many words of wisdom throughout her time:

“Trust your instincts, empower your employees to do the same, learn from your mistakes, and move on.”

“Even if you aren’t sure of yourself, pretend that you are because it makes it clearer for everyone else.”

“I look for strong people. I don’t like people who’ll say yes to everything I might bring up. I want people who can argue and disagree and have a point of view.”

Empowering Women Worldwide

Our team at Love Happens would like to thank Anna Wintour for her “b*tchiness,” decisive drive, and perfectionist attitude. We believe these assets played a significant part in her success, and witnessing her journey is certainly empowering to women both in fashion and in business alike—and here at ByKOKET!

Updated by Natalie Tyhacz from the article’s original 2017 publication.
Feature Image: Anna Wintour attends the “Le Grand Diner du Louvre” Passage Richelieu Photocall at Musee du Louvre on March 04, 2025 in Paris, France | Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

More to Love!

For more profiles on powerful women and their success, visit Love Happens’ Women Empowerment series