A: Anna Wintour (proper noun)
September 24th, 2009 § Leave a Comment
A-nna Win-tour [ah-nuh win-ter]
Synonyms: High priestess of fashion, tres chic, powerful female magazine editor, captivating if not intimidating star of “The September Issue”
Definition:
The same little corner office as everyone else's -- just, well, a tad bit more chic.
“Anna Wintour’s office.”
I recently saw The September Issue, R.J. Cutler’s new documentary about Anna Wintour, the British Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, and I can’t get that quaint, commonplace greeting out of my head. That the office of arguably the most powerful woman in today’s fashion industry can be denoted by the same little quip as every other office in the country; that there is no clue given that the half-ice-queen, half-fashion-genius that runs what fashionistas refer to as The Bible without an ounce of sarcasm works there, just boggles my mind.
Some background on Ms. Wintour.
After dropping out of high school at age 16, she began her career as a fashion journalist, hopping from Harper’s Bazaar to New York Magazine and finally to American Vogue, which she has edited for 21 years, turning it (and thus herself) into the most influential force in shaping what style-setters wear and designers sell. She was (slightly) fictionalized in the book and movie The Devil Wears Prada. She is an icon of the fashion world, consistently appearing in the front row at fashion weeks in the sharply bobbed hair, big sunglasses, and often, her favorite fur. Who better, then, to take some pearls of fashion wisdom from? Though she intimidated me (and most of her staff) throughout the documentary, she also remained a flawless template for how to look chic and put together.
Some style lessons from Anna Wintour:
1. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Anna in her twenties - stunning in the bang/bob combo.
Anna Wintour has been wearing her blunt bangs and bob since she was in her 20s. And why change it, if it suits her so fabulously? If you find something that works for you, whether its a signature haircut or a great shape of sunglasses, stick with it! The latest trend will never beat out what looks and feels best on you.
2. When in doubt, wear a shift.
Anna rocking one of her Carolina Herrera shifts.
We’ll get more into shift dresses when we hit the letter S, but I just couldn’t wait to bring ‘em up, especially because they’re Ms. Wintour’s work attire of choice, and rightfully so. This form-fitting, simple style is flattering, sleek, and perfect for looking professional or funky, depending on how you accessorize (ahh, accessories — a whole other A post unto themselves). I loved Anna’s constant rotation of chunky jeweled collar necklaces and chains, but for more inspiration, check out Marie Claire’s slideshow of fantastic frocks.
3. Get behind a look you believe in — even if it gets fake blood thrown at you
Even with all that pie in her hair, she still looks glamorous.
One of Anna’s best known contributions to Vogue and the fashion world was re-introducing fur. Now, this ain’t the place or the time to get into the ethics of promoting wearing other animals skins, but it IS a lesson on sticking up for something you love, even if it’s controversial or unpopular. Ms. Wintour was famously doused in fake blood and tofu pie at Paris Fashion Week in 2005 for her penchant for fur, and she’s still wearing it and looking very elegant and un-tofu-pied. If YOU love it, even though it’s not hip/in/designer/worn by a celebrity/vegetarian-friendly … who cares! The key thing is that you think it’s great, and you’re standing behind it (or in it).
