A note from Polina: I’m excited to share this Profile Dossier of Anna Wintour, who’s the iconic editor-in-chief of Vogue. It was heavily researched and written by Alexis Derickson, a staff writer for The Profile.

—

Anna Wintour’s name has become synonymous with high fashion. Her classic bob and black sunglasses have turned her into a recognizable—and mysterious— figure.

Wintour has helmed the fashion journalism industry for over 30 years as editor-in-chief of Vogue. Her opinion on designers and collections determines what is “in” and what is “out,” encouraging the likes of French fashion designer Nicolas Ghesquiére to “question if Anna will like it or not” during production at Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton.

So often, readers focus on the apparel and artistry on display in Vogue — yet, behind the glossy pages, Wintour herself became a household name as her influential voice pioneered the industry standard.

With Charles Wintour, the longtime editor of The Evening Standard, as her father, Anna came of age in 1960s London with an understanding of disciplined leadership and striving for the best.

She describes her core management style as exercising strength of conviction while communicating her point of view with clarity and decisiveness.

“People respond well to those that are sure of what they want,” she says.

Spearheading the leading name in fashion publications for more than three decades demands a keen awareness of trends and culture. Through criticism, Wintour transitioned Vogue into content of deeper value in the 2000s, becoming the first to place major celebrities on magazine covers. She was also unafraid to engage in political dialogue.

Her influence extends into the fundraising sphere – most notably, her more than $231 million donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute via the Met Gala. Rivaled by few (if any), the annual benefit draws all eyes to the looks carefully tailored for Wintour’s approval as chairwoman.

Today’s digital era feels omniscient. Online content perpetually expands as an increasing number of magazines shutter the doors on their print publications. While Vogue stays standing, Wintour represents what may be the last of her kind. “Some people have the Bible,” she says. “I have Vogue.”

Here’s what we can learn about leadership, discipline, and originality from the empress of fashion herself, the one and only Anna Wintour.

✨ The rest of this newsletter is only available for premium members of The Profile, whose support makes this work possible. If you’re not already a premium member, consider upgrading your subscription below for access to the full Profile Dossier. ✨…