Why Should Anna Wintour Resign

Her apology for failing to elevate black creatives is viewed as too little too late but redemption is still possible

Anna Wintour, the Vogue editor-in-chief sent a memo to her staff stating that she was sorry for “not doing enough to elevate and give space to black editors writers, photographers, designers and other creators”.

She has been in charge of Vogue magazine since 1988 and many think her regrets are pointless. Andre Leon Talley, Vogue former editor-at-large stated that Wintour was a “colonial broad” who shouldn’t be trusted.

Salma Noor read the full editor’s memo and started the Vogue Challenge to uplift and amplify black creatives. From then on, social media has been flooded with amazing Vogue covers featuring talented artists.

The challenge has inspired creatives from all race, gender and creed to reclaim their power.

It started as a tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement then inspired people who have always felt excluded to celebrate their true self.

It is astounding that despite being so influential, Wintour has never hired a black photographer to shoot a cover.Thankfully, Beyonce made it happen!

In 2018, the vibrant Tyler Mitchell became the first black photographer to be given credit in the fashion magazine.

It is important to emphasise that Kate Bosworth and Jessica Biel appeared on the cover before Beyonce. The fact that two average actresses managed to get ahead of the superstar is quite telling.

“As long as there is racial privilege, racism will never end”(Wayne Gerard Trotman).

This quote defines Anna Wintour even though she now wants Vogue to change and has acknowledged the errors of her ways.

The editor-in-chief has long been a controversial figure, infamous for her cold demeanour towards her employees who are not allowed to talk to her in an elevator.

Designers and other creatives fear her and it truly seems like the calls for her resignation come from deep-seated resentment.

There are three main bones of contention regarding Anna Wintour.

1- Her fight with Azzedine Alaia, the late iconic designer, has angered many people but nobody challenged her decision to boycott him.

Alaia’s talent spoke for itself despite numerous attempt to sabotage his career. In 2009 for instance, Wintour banned him and his designs from “The Model and Muse Exhibition” at the Costume Institute.

2- Anna Wintour has stood by controversial colleagues like Grace Coddington, the Vogue creative director.

The latter posed among her collection of “mammy jars” for the French publication: Les Echos Série Limitée.

Those jars were created during the Jim Crow era and depict “happy” slave women. In spite of the widespread criticism, Wintour ignored calls to fire Coddington.

3- In 2008 Lebron James became the first black man to appear on the cover of Vogue. However, he shared it with model Gisele Bundchen who appeared as a damsel in his clutches.

The picture was inspired by King Kong and led to an outcry. The editor-in-chief just ignored the critics and praised the magazine (and herself) for making history.

Those three points summarise the problematic reign of Anna Wintour who now recognises that “she has made mistakes by publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant”.

Taking responsibility is a first step for change but the problem is many think that Wintour is not genuine and should be replaced.

Will the wind of change affect Wintour’s position? Only time will tell. It appears that she is listening to the voice of the people and trying to make amend.

Few days ago, the magazine celebrated the Vogue Challenge by featuring some covers on its website and interviewing the creatives.

We all want justice. I started writing this article while angry but realised that bitterness closes the door to a peaceful future.

The fact that Vogue has acknowledged many of these unknown creatives and possibly changed their lives is wonderful.

Unity, forgiveness and gratitude will prevail over discrimination.