Today, the venerable New York Post reports that Anna Wintour O.B.E. is considering stepping away from her post as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, a title she has held for the past 20 years (yes, it has been that long). The Post cites the death of two of her other titles, Fashion Rocks and Men's Vogue, the upcoming end of her contract, and quotes from unnamed sources as evidence for her conjectured departure. Of course, this smells of bullshit (it is Page 6, after all) but we could also add that Vogue's revenues are falling, Wintour is far from web-savvy in an increasingly web-based industry, and the fact that the flagship mag is feeling a little staid these days as other factors. But, really, we don't want her to leave and, given her famous… tenacity… we imagine the Prada-wearing devil would say, "I'll give you my magazine when you take it from my cold, dead hands". Still, that doesn't make speculating about her possible replacements the most fun we've had all day. Take a look at who we think might take the crown if Dame Wintour were, say, struck by lightening tomorrow.Glenda Bailey, Editor-in-Chief, Harper's Bazaar: Her management skills and political clout make her an obvious contender, but does she have enough style? Errr… we'd rather keep mum on that. We'd give it a 1/3 chance.
Kate Betts, former Wintour protege and former Editor of Harper's Bazaar: The young Betts fell flat on her face last time she was handed the reigns of a mag. But would she come out of Time Inc. obscurity to take a crack at another big gun? Who wouldn't?
More picks below.
Grace Coddington, Creative Director, Vogue: Ok, maybe she's too English and too fashioney, but she's close to the seat of power and, well, we just love her anyway. A good bet.
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Kelly Cutrone, Founder, People's Revolution: She's always been a total sweetheart to us, but Ms. Cutrone has developed the same iron-fisted rep that Wintour wields, and she's got the Rolodex to go along with it. Sure, like electing Steven Colbert President, this will never happen. But it would be one hell of a ride.
Cecelia Dean, Editor, and Co-founder of Visionaire: Vogue has been a sleeping beauty for too long. The innovative, impeccably stylish Dean could definitely wake things up.
Aliona Doletskaya, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Russia: People have been suggesting the smart, ambitious Doletskaya could succeed Wintour for a while now. She denies it. Still, she's made her title grow substantially and talk about your fresh blood… Another likely pick.
Katie Grand, former Editor and Co-Founder of Pop: Condé just gifted her a brand-new mag, Love, and there's little chance that Si Newhouse would ever take a chance on her, but it would certainly be interesting to see the direction of American fashion glossies if this maverick took the helm.
Carine Roitfeld, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue France: There isn't a role that Carine wouldn't rock in. Vice President? She's got that whole, "pit bull with lipstick," thing down pat. But why leave the best magazine in the world? One can dream…
Sally Singer, Fashion News/Features Director, Vogue: Our top pick. She lives in the Chelsea Hotel, she's uncharacteristically nice for a Nastie, she's smart, she's got style. Most of all SHE DESERVES IT. Another likely candidate.
Lucy Yeomans, Editor-in-Chief, Harper's Bazaar UK: She's really turned around the title, won awards, and generally impressed those in the know. Can she swim with the sharks of 4 Times Square? We'd love to know.
Please feel free to offer suggestions or comment on ours. Vogue needs you!