### Anna Wintour: A Glimpse into Fashion’s Iconic Sphere

The storied editor-in-chief of Vogue shares insights on her signature sunglasses, the evolution of fashion shows, and her role in the industry, as she prepares for the exhibition "VOGUE: Inventing the Runway" at Lightroom in London.

Anna Wintour strides into the interview, her signature dark sunglasses firmly in place. I am about to converse with the editor-in-chief of Vogue, a role she has held since 1988, amidst her latest endeavor: VOGUE: Inventing the Runway, an exhibition showcasing the illustrious history of fashion shows.

We sit in a dimly lit underground space, surrounded by three expansive screens that promise an immersive experience. I cautiously inquire about her sunglasses, questioning whether they serve as a protective veil or are merely a style choice. “They help me see and they help me not see,” Wintour replies, enigmatic as ever. “They help me be seen and not be seen. They are a prop, I would say.”

The Lightroom serves as the perfect backdrop for the exhibition, which utilizes cutting-edge projection and audio technology to recreate some of the most breathtaking runway shows throughout time. This venue has previously hosted illustrious events, including a David Hockney show. Wintour acknowledges that those who frequent fashion shows may become desensitized, but she is dedicated to ensuring first-time visitors feel transported to the very front row.

For Wintour, who often finds herself perched on a delicate gold chair at high-profile shows, the anticipation can feel like an eternity. Recalling moments of waiting, she reminisces about Marc Jacobs’ runway show, tardy by an hour and a half—a delay that sparked significant backlash and led to punctuality in subsequent shows.

As Wintour reflects on her nearly 40-year tenure in fashion, she expresses nostalgia for the transformation the industry has undergone. The exhibition features vibrant chapters narrated by Cate Blanchett, recounting fashion history. “It’s quite nostalgic to sit in the space and look at the incredible changes that have happened in fashion,” she reveals.

Wintour contrasts the elitist nature of early twentieth-century fashion with today’s more inclusive landscape, pointing to major events like Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton show in 2023, where celebrities like Beyoncé mingled with the crowd and garnered a billion online views. “Now everyone can come to the party, which is as it should be,” Wintour emphasizes.

Karl Lagerfeld is also honored in the exhibition for his remarkable designs that continuously pushed boundaries—recalling physically daring settings like the Great Wall of China. To insiders, Wintour’s influence in the industry is indomitable, as she fervently promotes fashion as a blend of creativity and commerce.

She spearheads the prestigious annual Met Gala, a fusion of fashion and celebrity that climaxes in a breathtaking spectacle of outfits. Moments before our conversation wraps, I gingerly mention the iconic character Miranda Priestly from "The Devil Wears Prada," a portrayal that many associate with Wintour's persona. She chuckles and mentions her attendance at the musical adaptation, inviting the audience to judge the parallels.

When discussing her public image, Wintour downplays the notion of maintaining a performance. “What I’m really interested in is the creative aspect of my job,” she states thoughtfully. Despite her authoritative reputation, she suggests that many do say “no” to her, a moment which she appreciates as an essential part of the creative process.

With no plans for retirement at 75, Wintour remains a fixture in the fashion world, solidifying Vogue’s reputation as a pillar of style and sophistication. The exhibition, open until April 2025, promises to be a riveting experience that reflects her profound impact on the industry.