Chloe Malle, recently named the new U.S. editorial director of Vogue, is openly acknowledging the influence of nepotism in her career. On Tuesday, it was officially announced that Anna Wintour, the iconic figure who has led Vogue for decades, has selected Malle to take charge of editorial content for the American edition of the magazine. This announcement follows Wintour's decision to step down from her long-held position as editor in chief in June.
Malle's journey at Vogue began in 2011 when she joined as a social editor. Her dedication and talent led to her becoming the editor of Vogue.com in 2023, marking a significant milestone in her career. In an interview with The New York Times accompanying the announcement of her new role, Malle candidly identified herself as a “proud ‘nepo baby,’” acknowledging the advantages that come from her family's illustrious background in the entertainment industry.
In her remarks, Malle stated, “There is no question that I have 100 percent benefited from the privilege I grew up in.” She emphasized the importance of hard work, asserting, “It’s delusional to say otherwise.” Malle has always aimed to prove herself as more than just Candice Bergen’s daughter, or someone raised in Beverly Hills. Her mother, Candice Bergen, is an Oscar-nominated actress recognized for her roles in beloved projects like Murphy Brown, Miss Congeniality, Bride Wars, and Boston Legal. Bergen earned her Oscar nomination in 1980 for her performance in Starting Over.
Additionally, Malle's father, Louis Malle, was a renowned director and screenwriter whose cinematic contributions have earned him three Academy Award nominations, including a nod for Best Director in 1982 for the film Atlantic City.
As the new head of editorial content for Vogue U.S., Malle has expressed her intention to cultivate “a more direct, smaller, healthier audience.” She aims to achieve this by delivering “original, witty, irreverent, joyful points of view on things.” This vision aligns with the evolving landscape of fashion and media, where authenticity and creativity are paramount.
Despite stepping down as editor in chief, Wintour will not be leaving Vogue entirely. She will continue to serve as the global editorial director for Vogue and remain the chief content officer for Condé Nast. Malle acknowledged the pressure of stepping into her predecessor's shoes, stating, “The truth is that no one’s going to replace Anna.” She expressed her gratitude for Wintour's presence, noting, “I’m happy she’s down the hall,” as Wintour remains involved with the magazine and the broader Condé Nast family.
Malle further shared insights into her unique perspective on her new role, stating, “I know that some people who were interested in this job were sort of daunted by the idea of Anna being down the hall. I’m very happy she’s down the hall with her Clarice Cliff pottery.”
In a statement regarding Malle’s appointment, Wintour said, “At a moment of change both within fashion and outside it, Vogue must continue to be both the standard-bearer and the boundary-pushing leader.” She praised Malle for her ability to balance American Vogue's rich history with its future direction, expressing enthusiasm for their continued collaboration. “I am so excited to continue working with her, as her mentor but also as her student, while she leads us and our audiences where we’ve never been before,” Wintour added.
