Chloe Malle will represent American Vogue as she walks the 2026 Met Gala [1].
This appearance marks a significant transition for the publication as Malle takes on a primary leadership role during one of the most visible events in the global fashion calendar. The move signals a shift in the editorial direction of the magazine following decades of singular leadership.
Malle was appointed as the head of editorial content last year [2]. She is now part of a Vogue leadership team consisting of 10 members [3]. This appointment follows the tenure of Anna Wintour, who served as editor-in-chief for 37 years [4].
Reports regarding the exact nature of the succession vary. Some sources said that Malle is the replacement for Wintour, while others indicate that Wintour remains the editor-in-chief while Malle manages editorial content [3, 5]. Similarly, there are conflicting accounts of Wintour's current influence. One report suggests Wintour has stepped away from day-to-day editing [6], but another indicates she continues to oversee key decisions, including the approval of Malle's dress for the 2026 Met Gala [7].
Candice Bergen commented on the appointment of her daughter to the role. "She didn’t just talk her way into it," Bergen said [8].
The 2026 Met Gala is scheduled for May 2026 [1]. Malle's presence at the event serves as her official introduction to the industry in her new capacity as the face of the magazine's editorial content.
“"She didn’t just talk her way into it,"”
The appointment of Chloe Malle and her role at the 2026 Met Gala reflect a broader institutional shift at Vogue. By expanding the leadership team to 10 members and introducing a head of editorial content, the magazine is moving away from the centralized power structure that defined the Wintour era. The ambiguity regarding Wintour's remaining influence suggests a phased transition of power rather than an abrupt departure.
