Editor’s Be aware: A model of this story appeared in CNN’s In the meantime in China publication, a three-times-a-week replace exploring what it is advisable know in regards to the nation’s rise and the way it impacts the world. Enroll here.
CNN
—
Vogue China editorial director Margaret Zhang has introduced that she is stepping down simply three years after turning into the youngest particular person to guide any of the style bible’s 28 editions.
In a hand-written notice posted to numerous social media channels in each English and Chinese language on Monday, the Australian-born editor stated she had determined to “wrap up at Vogue and soar into the following chapter of my profession.”
“I’m immensely pleased with the unconventional evolution that we have now pushed at Vogue China over the previous three years, increasing its affect from its print beginnings to turning into a multimedia bridge for artistic tradition — China to the world, the world to China,” added Zhang.
Zhang’s appointment as Vogue China’s editorial director in 2021 got here as one thing of a shock. Then 27, she had by no means edited a significant vogue publication, however as an alternative rose to prominence as a blogger in Sydney — and as a mannequin, photographer and guide for manufacturers like Moncler and Mulberry.
Her on-line profile and social media presence (Zhang now has over 2 million followers on Instagram) introduced her to Vogue’s consideration, with the US version’s longtime editor-in-chief — and writer Condé Nast’s chief content material officer — Anna Wintour writing at the time: “Her worldwide expertise, distinctive multiplatform digital experience, and wide-ranging pursuits are the right mixture to guide Vogue China into the longer term.”
Zhang’s tenure on the journal proved, at occasions, controversial, with the previous head of Condé Nast’s Chinese language arm reportedly criticizing her for being too Westernized and inexperienced to guide the journal.
However she additionally won praise for modernizing Vogue China and championing variety on the title. In her resignation announcement, Zhang stated the publication had loved “file progress in video” and the “highest engagement occasions within the historical past of Vogue China” throughout her editorship.
“By no means earlier than have we seen a lot Chinese language creativity showcased throughout the worldwide community of Vogue editions,” she added. “The legacy of those achievements is a testomony to the Vogue China staff’s perception in excellence and innovation.”
Zhang’s announcement was met with messages of assist from a number of high-profile vogue trade figures, together with designers like Anna Sui and Native American mannequin Quannah Chasinghorse, who responded to her Instagram publish with the remark: “So inspiring! Mahsi’choo (“Thank You” within the Gwich’in language) for all you’ve performed, a lot constructive change and exquisite work trying ahead to seeing what you do subsequent.”
Zhang’s departure comes simply weeks after British Vogue’s editor, Edward Enninful, revealed his final issue. The Ghanaian-born vogue editor unexpectedly stepped down final June after greater than six years on the helm.
A broader editorial shake-up at Condé Nast noticed CEO Roger Lynch announce final November that the corporate was trying to cut 5% of its workforce. The writer has since been accused by its workers union of violating labor legislation, main greater than 400 staff at titles like Vainness Honest and Vogue to walk out in protest in January.