In the world of high fashion and glossy magazines, few figures are as iconic as Anna Wintour. The legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue has long been a symbol of power and influence, and her impact on the fashion industry is undeniable. But what is it really like to work for this formidable woman? Three former assistants to Anna Wintour recently shared their experiences in an interview with Chloe Malle, the new head of editorial content at Vogue. The insights they offered provide a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the fashion world and the unique challenges and rewards of working for the Vogue icon.
One of the most striking aspects of the interview is the emphasis on personal connections and relationships. Unlike many traditional workplaces, Wintour's office is not focused on formalities and protocols. Instead, the assistants were asked to share their personal experiences and strengths. This approach, as Sammi Tapper and Sache Taylor recalled, was a refreshing change from the typical interview process. 'She doesn’t want a robot,' Marley Marius said of the advice she received before the interview. 'She wants someone with a personality.'
The daily routine at Vogue is also quite unique. The day starts early for Wintour, who wakes up between 4 and 5:30 a.m. on workdays. After reading the news and playing tennis, she arrives at the office around 8 a.m., where an assistant sets up her coffee and breakfast. The assistants also receive a 21-page handbook, which serves as a sacred text passed down from one assistant to the next. This handbook outlines the daily tasks and expectations, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the interview is the focus on speed and efficiency. Wintour is known for her fast-paced work ethic, and the assistants were expected to keep up. Marley Marius recalled changing out of her 'clogs' into 'more appropriate shoes' once Wintour's driver gave them the heads up that she had arrived at Vogue HQ. The assistants were also expected to be ready for any meeting or task at a moment's notice, with Taylor recalling 'herding' sluggish editors into meetings with Wintour. 'I would just hover until they were ready — if I hover, usually they were faster,' she said.
The assistants also had to be mindful of their appearance, with a dress code that emphasized heels and a neat uniform. However, this did not mean that every day had to be a runway show. Taylor, for example, wore heeled Joseph boots with black trousers and a 'different sweater every day,' while Marius favored collarless linen shirts and black pants with smoking slippers. The assistants also had to be mindful of their footwear, with Tapper spending several weeks wearing pumps that gave her 'crazy blisters' before 'retiring' them.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the interview is the emphasis on take-home work. Wintour is known for her around-the-clock work ethic, and the assistants were expected to keep up. They would receive an extra-large L.L.Bean Boat and Tote filled to the brim with articles awaiting her edits, approval, and notes. 'This is Anna's homework bag,' Tapper explained. 'She never wants anyone waiting on her for feedback.'
The interview also sheds light on the infamous 'book' that is featured heavily in 'The Devil Wears Prada.' This 'dummy book' of the magazine is set to go to print three to four months later, and it is marked up with Post-It notes featuring Wintour's 'doctors handwriting' that 'takes a village' to decode. The assistants were also able to ask Wintour about her notes once a week, providing a unique insight into the editor's thought process.
Overall, the interview with the former assistants offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of Vogue and the unique challenges and rewards of working for Anna Wintour. From the emphasis on personal connections and relationships to the fast-paced work ethic and take-home work, the assistants' experiences provide a rich tapestry of insights into the world of high fashion and glossy magazines. Personally, I think that the interview highlights the importance of speed and efficiency in the fashion industry, and the need for assistants to be mindful of their appearance and work ethic. In my opinion, the interview also raises a deeper question about the role of assistants in the fashion world and the impact they have on the success of their employers.
