Anna Wintour, the long-standing editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine since 1988, is featured in an interview at the VOGUE: Inventing the Runway exhibition at London’s Lightroom. Known for her trademark dark sunglasses, Wintour describes them as a prop that helps her “be seen and not be seen.”
The immersive exhibition uses digital projection to take visitors through the history of fashion shows, offering a front-row experience that Wintour herself has enjoyed for decades. The show, narrated by Cate Blanchett, highlights the dramatic evolution of fashion from an exclusive, elitist world to a globally accessible phenomenon.
Wintour reflects on the changes she’s witnessed in the fashion industry. She contrasts the early days of couture, which were extremely selective, with modern events like Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton debut show in 2023 – a pop-culture event that garnered one billion online views. “Now everyone can come to the party,” she notes, celebrating the democratization of fashion.
The exhibition showcases memorable runway moments, including Karl Lagerfeld’s spectacular shows, such as his space-station-themed Chanel runway and the memorable fashion show along the Great Wall of China for Fendi. Wintour speaks fondly of Lagerfeld, describing his work as “extraordinary.”
Throughout her career, Wintour has been a significant figure in fashion, known for making careers and bridging the worlds of fashion and entertainment. She’s particularly famous for driving the annual Met Gala, which has become a viral spectacle of celebrity and fashion.
The interview also addresses the persistent comparison to Miranda Priestly from “The Devil Wears Prada.” Wintour playfully deflects, saying it’s up to others to decide if there are similarities. She emphasizes that she’s more interested in the creative aspects of her job than her public persona.
Despite her reputation, Wintour challenges the notion that nobody says “no” to her, stating that “No is a wonderful word.” She’s passionate about defending fashion as a serious industry, highlighting its economic importance and global employment impact.
At 75, Wintour shows no immediate signs of stepping down. When asked about her future, she simply states she has “no plans to leave” her job – at least “currently.” Under her leadership, she has transformed Vogue into a global brand that remains relevant in the age of social media and instant influencer content.
The VOGUE: Inventing the Runway exhibition at Lightroom offers a comprehensive look at fashion’s evolution, curated by one of the industry’s most influential figures. It runs until April 2025, providing visitors with an immersive journey through the history of fashion shows.
