Post Reports: Does Vogue Still Matter? The Washington Post | Released July 19, 2025

In this compelling episode of Post Reports, hosts Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi delve into the evolving landscape of the fashion industry, questioning the enduring relevance of iconic publications like Vogue. Featuring insights from fashion critic Rachel Tashian, the discussion navigates the shifting power dynamics, the rise of social media influencers, and the future of luxury fashion.

1. The Legacy of Anna Wintour and Vogue’s Influence

The episode opens with a reference to the iconic film The Devil Wears Prada, drawing parallels between Meryl Streep's character Miranda Priestley and real-life Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Cole Bakowicz sets the stage by highlighting Wintour's historic influence:

"In 2006, when this movie came out, Vogue was at the height of its influence. But last month, Anna Wintour announced she was stepping aside as the American Vogue top editor after nearly four decades in the role."
— Cole Bakowicz (01:28)

Rachel Tashian elaborates on Wintour's unparalleled staying power in the fashion world:

"Anna Wintour has been the editor of Vogue since the 1980s. So for the entire time that I've been alive."
— Rachel Tashian (03:17)

2. Anna Wintour’s Transition and Its Symbolic Significance

The conversation shifts to Anna Wintour's recent decision to step back from her role. Tashian explains that while Wintour is stepping down as editor-in-chief, she remains deeply involved with Vogue and Condé Nast:

"She's still the global editorial director of all of the editions of Vogue, so she's still essentially overseeing what is in the magazine, what the vision is of the magazine on a global scale."
— Rachel Tashian (05:21)

Bakowicz interprets this move as symbolic, indicating a broader generational shift within the industry:

"It sounds like her stepping down from that role is almost more symbolic than anything, that it's maybe says something about the changing in the fashion industry."
— Cole Bakowicz (06:16)

3. Generational Shift in the Fashion Industry

Rachel Tashian discusses the nurturing of a new generation of editors and designers, reflecting a significant generational change:

"It's a moment for a younger generation to start to sort of come into their power... new designers who are coming into these houses like Dior and Chanel, who are in their late 30s or early 40s."
— Rachel Tashian (07:40)

4. The Evolving Role of Fashion Editors

Tashian emphasizes the transformation of the fashion editor's role, especially with the rise of digital platforms:

"The idea of the editor as being the person who's making sense of it all. That that role has just really migrated to social media."
— Rachel Tashian (13:07)

This migration signifies a shift from traditional print media to more dynamic, influencer-driven content creation.

5. The Rise of Social Media Influencers

The discussion highlights how social media influencers have become the new tastemakers in fashion, often overshadowing traditional magazines:

"A lot of those trends and a lot of those conversations are coming from content creators and influencers in social media."
— Rachel Tashian (11:08)

Bakowicz draws parallels with the journalism industry, noting that independent creators can now wield significant influence:

"People are finding in some ways that going out on their own and doing things, they can almost have more influence than sticking with the traditional forms of media."
— Cole Bakowicz (12:41)

6. Accessibility vs. Exclusivity in Modern Fashion

The episode examines whether the democratization of fashion through digital platforms has made it more accessible:

"I completely agree with you. It does feel inaccessible in a lot of ways... But these price hikes have made it impossible for someone to sell, save up for a handbag or a great pair of shoes."
— Rachel Tashian (14:00)

While digital platforms offer more personalized fashion advice, the increasing costs of luxury items paradoxically make high fashion less attainable.

7. Current Fashion Trends and Sustainability Concerns

Tashian addresses the proliferation of micro-trends and the environmental impact of fast fashion:

"A lot of fashion brands are saying, let's just try a lot of things and let's produce a lot of stuff because we don't know what will catch on. And as a result, that is creating more waste and more pollution."
— Rachel Tashian (16:26)

This rapid trend cycling contributes to environmental degradation, highlighting the need for more sustainable practices within the industry.

8. The Future of Luxury Fashion

Looking ahead, Tashian discusses the challenges faced by the luxury sector and the potential pathways forward:

"The luxury industry, I think, is in the midst of an existential crisis... the idea of an enormous corporation sort of churning out bags and shoes and clothing is really repulsive to a lot of people."
— Rachel Tashian (16:47)

She cites Hermès as a success story due to its exclusive appeal and perceived authenticity:

"Hermès... is very secretive and really, you know, small and elusive... it's the most valuable luxury company in the world right now."
— Rachel Tashian (17:55)

9. Anticipation for Upcoming Fashion Events

As September approaches, Tashian anticipates a wave of change with numerous designers transitioning to new roles:

"Almost a dozen designers have changed jobs and are going to debut their first shows in September and October... it's really a powerful time to be a fashion consumer."
— Rachel Tashian (18:45)

This influx of fresh talent presents an opportunity for innovative and sustainable fashion initiatives.

10. The Enduring Influence of Anna Wintour

In concluding the discussion, Tashian reflects on whether Anna Wintour's influence will persist:

"I don't know that anyone will ever have that much power in fashion again."
— Rachel Tashian (21:17)

This sentiment underscores the significant shift in how fashion is curated and consumed in the digital age.

Conclusion

The episode of Post Reports effectively captures the transitional phase of the fashion industry, highlighting the diminishing dominance of traditional powerhouses like Vogue and the rise of new, digital-centric influencers. Rachel Tashian's expert analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing fashion today, painting a picture of an industry in flux, striving for sustainability and broader accessibility.

Notable Quotes:

• "Anna Wintour has been the editor of Vogue since the 1980s. So for the entire time that I've been alive." — Rachel Tashian (03:17)
• "She's still the global editorial director of all of the editions of Vogue, so she's still essentially overseeing what is in the magazine, what the vision is of the magazine on a global scale." — Rachel Tashian (05:21)
• "The idea of the editor as being the person who's making sense of it all. That that role has just really migrated to social media." — Rachel Tashian (13:07)
• "A lot of fashion brands are saying, let's just try a lot of things and let's produce a lot of stuff because we don't know what will catch on. And as a result, that is creating more waste and more pollution." — Rachel Tashian (16:26)
• "I don't know that anyone will ever have that much power in fashion again." — Rachel Tashian (21:17)

This detailed summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode, capturing the essence of the discussions and offering valuable insights into the current and future state of the fashion industry.