Hype is building and the rumor mill is swirling around Vogue Magazine’s (America) future. Many questions and speculations about the destiny of this fashion media powerhouse have sparked a frenzy to say the least.
So now inquiring minds want to know: What prompted Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, to make a rare public interview appearance in NYC two nights ago? What was the PR motivation behind the 60 Minutes interview and the much anticipated documentary about Ms. Editor-In-Chief? Why did Conde Nast Chairman, billionaire S.I. Newhouse, come out of seclusion, and what is he doing in Europe? Will there be big changes coming to Vogue and the fashion industry as a whole?
Anna Wintour in Chanel Gown 2009 Met Costume Gala (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
The winds of change began to blow through with the growing power of online/social media, a force that the fashion industry is slowly realizing it must reckon with due to the rapidly growing influence it has on trends and consumers. But many of the ‘heavy hitters’ in the industry are still reluctant to dive deeper into digital relations. This of course can be attributed to the age gap between the decision makers and the largely tech-savvy consumer base. (I say let Gen X take over, we may be out numbered but we are the keepers of cool 😉 ) Mr. fantabulous fashion himself, Andre Leon Talley, was dragged “kicking and screaming” into the blogosphere according to Ms. Wintour. Now, Mr. Talley “digs” blogging on Talley Ho! and I’m personally greatful for his insightful and intelligent musings and inspirations.
As the changing winds picked up speed in the digital world, a big gust blew by with the announcement of the move of Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center. From Jonathan Tisch’s interview on NY Mag’s The Cut blog:
How is New York for fashion shows now?
There’s a sense that we have too many shows right now. Bryant Park had run its course. They didn’t want us anymore. The space was proving way too small. A move to Lincoln Center is going to be very energizing for the fashion community.(Read entire interview/recap)
What’s on the Horizon for Vogue and Anna Wintour? It’s certain that Vogue.com will soon exist soley on it’s own away from Style.com. Some speculate a changing of the guard is necessary and when I hear Vogue France’s Editor-in Chief, Carine Roitfeld’s, name being thrown around, I have flashbacks of The Devil Wears Prada!
Check out preview of 60 Minutes with Anna Wintour as she compares her magazine to a “glamorous girlfriend.” Morley Safer reports on the fashion icon. (CBSNews.com)
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And the saga continues…stay tuned!