On September 2, 2025, the fashion world turned its gaze to Chloe Malle, the newly appointed head of editorial content for American Vogue, succeeding Anna Wintour in a role that marks a pivotal moment for the iconic publication. Malle, a 39-year-old journalist with deep roots in both media and Hollywood, steps into the spotlight as Vogue navigates a rapidly evolving digital and cultural landscape. Her appointment, first reported by Puck News, signals a strategic blend of legacy and innovation at Condé Nast, with Malle poised to steer the magazine into its next chapter. But who is Chloe Malle, and what makes her the chosen successor to one of fashion’s most formidable figures?
From Hollywood Pedigree to Vogue Veteran: Malle’s Background
Chloe Malle was born into a family synonymous with cultural influence. The daughter of actress Candice Bergen, known for her Emmy-winning role in Murphy Brown and appearances on Vogue’s cover in the 1960s, and the late French filmmaker Louis Malle, celebrated for films like The Lovers and Pretty Baby, Malle grew up surrounded by creativity and storytelling. Born in New York and later spending part of her childhood in Los Angeles during her mother’s Murphy Brown years, Malle’s early life was steeped in the arts, with a touch of glamour that would later inform her career in fashion media.
Chloe Malle’s academic journey took her to Brown University, where she studied comparative literature and writing, honing her editorial instincts as the editor of the university’s weekly paper. After graduating, she faced uncertainty about her career path, briefly considering public health before diving into journalism. Her first step was an internship at the New York Observer, where she covered real estate, followed by freelance writing for outlets like The New York Times Style section and Vogue itself. This early exposure to high-profile publications laid the groundwork for her eventual entry into Condé Nast.
In 2011, Malle joined Vogue as a social editor, a role that thrust her into the glittering but demanding world of fashion journalism. Reflecting on her initial interview with Anna Wintour, Chloe Malle admitted to a sartorial misstep, wearing black tights—a known pet peeve of Wintour’s—along with worn-out boots and a “boring” Diane von Furstenberg dress.
Despite the fashion faux pas, Chloe Malle’s intelligence and charm won her the job, marking the start of a 14-year ascent through Vogue’s ranks. From social editor, she moved to roles such as contributing editor, editor of the Flash section (covering weddings, homes, parties, and travel), and eventually editor of Vogue.com, where she embraced digital storytelling and co-hosted The Run-Through with Vogue podcast.
Anna Wintour, the longtime editor-in-chief of Vogue, has named Chloe Malle the outlet's new U.S. head of editorial content.
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) September 2, 2025
Malle is currently the editor of https://t.co/xxdZm0PU4r and co-host of Vogue's podcast, "The Run-Through." https://t.co/0CdlV3rxIJ pic.twitter.com/WOs6YcLvue
Malle’s personal life also reflects her ability to balance high-profile responsibilities with a grounded existence. Married to Graham McGrath Albert since 2015, with whom she has two young children, Malle has described herself as a morning person who once preferred quiet nights in over the social whirl of fashion events.
Her Instagram offers glimpses of a glamorous yet relatable life, from vacations in the South of France to fine dining in New York, paired with self-deprecating captions about returning to pajamas after a rare night out. This blend of accessibility and sophistication has made her a favorite among Vogue staff, a factor that reportedly influenced her selection as head of editorial content.
A Safe Yet Strategic Choice: Why Malle Was Chosen
Anna Wintour’s decision to step down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue after 37 years, announced in June 2025, sparked intense speculation about her successor. Wintour, who will remain Condé Nast’s global chief content officer and Vogue’s global editorial director, sought a leader who could maintain the magazine’s cultural authority while adapting to a digital-first world. Malle emerged as the frontrunner in August, with reports indicating she was in the final rounds of interviews alongside competitors like Sara Moonves, editor-in-chief of W magazine, and Nicole Phelps, global director of Vogue Runway and Vogue Business.
Malle’s selection, described by Puck News as “the path of least resistance,” reflects Wintour’s preference for a successor whose vision aligns with her own. Having worked under Wintour for over a decade, Malle is a known quantity—a “longtime supplicant” with a deep understanding of Vogue’s DNA.
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Her editorial portfolio is impressive, including high-profile interviews with figures like Lauren Sánchez Bezos, Fran Lebowitz, and Margot Robbie, as well as notable projects like securing Naomi Biden’s 2022 White House wedding for Vogue’s coverage. Her work on Vogue Weddings: Brides, Dresses, Designers and Vogue Living: Country, City, Coast further showcases her ability to curate content that resonates with Vogue’s aspirational audience.
Beyond her editorial chops, Chloe Malle’s Hollywood pedigree adds a layer of allure to her appointment. Her lineage connects her to a legacy of storytelling and cultural influence, making her a natural fit for a brand that thrives at the intersection of fashion, celebrity, and media. Yet, her rise is not without critique. Some, as noted in Reddit discussions, point to her “nepo baby” status, drawing parallels to Wintour’s own ascent as the daughter of a prominent editor.
However, Chloe Malle’s supporters argue that her talent and steady hand outweigh such criticisms, positioning her as a practical choice to lead Vogue through a period of transition. Malle’s digital acumen also played a critical role in her selection. As editor of Vogue.com, she has driven digital engagement through initiatives like The Run-Through podcast and online cover stories, such as the controversial Lauren Sánchez Bezos profile in June 2025.
Her focus on digital-first strategies aligns with Condé Nast’s goal of targeting Gen Z audiences and expanding revenue streams through e-commerce and events. With international revenue growing at a 22% compound annual rate over the past five years, Malle’s ability to blend Vogue’s legacy with modern platforms makes her a strategic fit for the brand’s future.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for Chloe Malle
As Chloe Malle steps into her role before New York Fashion Week, running from September 11 to 16, 2025, she faces a complex landscape. Vogue remains a titan in fashion media, but it must contend with declining print readership, the rise of influencer-driven content, and ethical challenges in the fast-fashion industry, such as environmental concerns and labor practices. Malle’s ability to navigate these issues while maintaining Vogue’s cultural relevance will be critical to her success.
One of her primary challenges will be balancing innovation with tradition. Wintour’s tenure saw Vogue redefine American fashion in the 1990s, outpacing rivals like Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. Malle must now push the brand forward without alienating its loyal readership. Her experience with digital platforms positions her well to capitalize on emerging markets and younger demographics, but she’ll need to avoid the pitfalls of recent missteps, such as the backlash over the Lauren Sánchez Bezos cover.
A proactive editorial stance that aligns with evolving consumer expectations—particularly around sustainability and inclusivity—will be essential. Chloe Malle’s role also involves managing Vogue’s day-to-day operations across all platforms, reporting directly to Wintour. This dual leadership structure, with Wintour retaining oversight as global editorial director, ensures continuity but may limit Malle’s autonomy.
As Megha Kapoor, former head of editorial content for Vogue India, noted, Wintour’s shift consolidates her power across Condé Nast, meaning Malle must navigate a dynamic where her mentor remains a commanding presence. Malle’s own words about thriving under Wintour’s decisive leadership suggest she’s prepared for this dynamic, but it will require deft collaboration to execute her vision. Opportunities abound for Chloe Malle to leave her mark. Her playful side, evidenced by her creation of Dogue, a canine-themed parody of Vogue, hints at a willingness to experiment with the brand’s image.
Expanding Vogue’s digital presence through immersive retail experiences, AI-driven content, and events like Vogue World could drive growth, mirroring the 22% revenue increase seen at Gucci through digital reinvention. Chloe Malle’s ability to connect with both high fashion and pop culture—evidenced by her profiles of figures like Jenna Lyons and Fran Drescher—positions her to broaden Vogue’s appeal while preserving its prestige.
As New York Fashion Week approaches, all eyes will be on Malle, not just for her editorial decisions but for the subtle cues she sends from the front row. Her appointment marks a calculated bet on Vogue’s future: a leader who honors the magazine’s storied past while embracing the digital present. With her experience, pedigree, and practical approach, Chloe Malle is poised to shape the next era of American Vogue, proving that even in the shadow of a legend like Wintour, a new voice can shine.