Anna Wintour is the editor-in-chief of Vogue, the world’s fashion bible. Anna was born in London in 1949. Her father Charles was the editor of the Evening Standard newspaper, which influenced her life in fashion.”I think my father really decided for me that I should work in fashion”, she said. However, from a young age, Anna was very individualistic. She often rebelled at school by taking up the hemline of her skirt. She also began to sport her now iconic bob hairstyle. Anna knew fashion was what she wanted to pursue, and she proceeded to drop out of high school. She began in a training program at Harrod’s, and then took fashion classes at a school nearby her home. In 1970 Anna was hired at Harper’s Bazaar, thus beginning her career in fashion journalism.

After several other jobs, Anna landed the editorship at American Vogue in 1988. Since, Anna has revolutionized fashion itself and the idea of fashion. Anna’s first cover was a controversial one. The model wore a haute couture Christian Lacroix beaded top with Guess jeans. Anna took couture’s haughty grandeur and mixed it with reality. The picture was taken on the street, and the model’s hair was blown across her face. Everyone was shocked because it was very unlike the elegant and refined photos expected of Vogue. Anna challenged the status quo with her original take on this powerful and thought provoking cover, again proving her individuality.

Anna has become a fashion icon. Anna sets the trends and influences designers. Designers must please Anna, because getting their designs onto Vogue’s pages means everything. Anna has become known to be cold and intimidating. She is given names like “fashion’s ice queen” and “nuclear winter.” In fact, even a movie,“The Devil Wears Prada,” was even based off of her. The movie inspired by a book written by an ex-assistant who endured a brutal experience working for Anna.

Using her position in a positive way, Anna constantly fundraises. Each year Anna hosts the Met Gala. It is known as “the party of the year”. It is a fundraising gala for the Met’s costume institute and has raised millions. Anna has been the chair of the event since 1995. The Met Gala used to be a New York society event, but under Anna celebrities were invited. In addition, Anna has raised 70 million dollars for Aids. It is actually rumored that Anna may be an ambassador due to the extensive fundraising she has done for the Democratic party. She has hosted President Obama several fundraising dinners at her house. Michelle Obama has said that she has “so much respect and admiration” for Anna.

Anna’s influence and impact on the fashion world is immeasurable.