Anna Wintour is the queen of the fashion scene, and is one of the rare few who is universally respected by Hollywood and fashionistas alike. She’s a woman in her own class, and is regarded as the epitome of tact and style. Anna Wintour almost seems superhuman in her ability to command respect, and while we can’t be her, we can learn to be more like her. Here’s some cues we can all take from this global fashion icon.
- Class commands respect. Anna Wintour stands out because she is a high-class person. It’s her classy, sophisticated attitude and sense of style that commands attention and respect.
- Being an Ice Queen isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There’s something to be said about how far people will go to get in the good graces of someone who is a just a little bit aloof or icy. Anna Wintour’s infamously cold personality never comes off as fake, and to a point, it might be why people want to earn her favor.
- Sometimes, you have to get a little mean in order to get people to respect you. The fashion industry is notoriously cutthroat, and being too nice generally will be met with disrespect. Anna Wintour’s scary demeanor even manages to humble the ever-haughty Kanye, so don’t be afraid to take a cue from her behavior.
- Fake it till you make it. It’s a classic fashion and celebrity move that works with almost any social situation. Wintour has been quoted as saying, “Even if I’m completely unsure, I’ll pretend I know exactly what I’m talking about and make a decision.”
- Get competitive – even with your image. Obviously, Anna Wintour got to where she is now because she’s the best. When asked for advice, Wintour has said, “If you can’t be any better than your competition, just dress better.”
- Originality counts more than labels. The fashion queen has made a point of telling others to have their own sense of style. Anna Wintour wouldn’t have gotten the attention she did while working at Vogue. In other words, stop paying attention to what others are wearing, and lead your own trends.
- Stop problems before they start. Anna Wintour is famous for rescinding invitations of guests who might start problems or show disrespect. She’s also very famous for giving people warnings about behavior she won’t accept before they show up.
- Speaking of which, don’t accept bad behavior. When was the last time you’ve ever seen Anna Wintour put up with rudeness? That’s right – never.
- Don’t be afraid to apologize when you cross a line. It takes a big person to apologize when you say something royally messed up. Anna Wintour was big enough to admit that calling Kanye’s fashion line “migrant chic” was a bit messed up.
- A trademark look can get you far in life. The haircut she has is her trademark look. It makes her easily recognizable, and it’s perennially stylish.
- Don’t be afraid to shake up the status quo. Anna Wintour’s first Vogue cover featured Michaela Bercu wearing Guess jeans and a couture top. This was such a change from the typical Vogue look that most of the staff thought it was a mistake. Instead, it turned into a major success.
- Punctuality is key. Anna Wintour is known for always being on time, and regularly showing up early in the fashion scene.
- Generosity is a good thing. Believe it or not, the frosty fashion editor is known for being extremely generous with friends, family, and just about everyone else. In fact, she regularly throws fundraising dinners for a number of good causes. Generosity is always in style.
- Yes-men don’t do you favors. When it comes to choosing a new hire, Anna Wintour never likes to see people who are doormats or overly agreeable. Instead, she’ll choose someone with a strong personality, knowing that they will speak up if they see something wrong with a current layout.
- Don’t stop working. She might be close to retirement age, but Anna Wintour is busier than ever before. It just goes to show that the best never rest.
Since 1988, Anna Wintour’s ingenious and daring vision as editor-in-chief has been plastered across the most prestigious publication in the fashion realm, Vogue Magazine, in America. These life lessons from the fiercest face in the fashion world can help us in multiple avenues of our everyday lives, personally and profesionally. Thanks for the advice, Ms. Wintour, keep on Vogueing.
