Who is Anna Wintour and why do people think she is leaving Vogue?

She has been a giant in the fashion industry for over 30 years, but there is suspicion this September Issue could be her last

(AFP/Getty Images)

The revelation that Beyoncé has been given unprecedented control over US Vogue's September issue has sent fashion circles into a buzz.

Beyoncé has gained full control from editor Anna Wintour for the cover, and she's selected Tyler Mitchell, a 23-year-old from Atlanta to shoot it.

He will be the first black photographer to shoot the Vogue cover in its 126-year history.

Beyonce and Jay Z in the video for 'APES**T" (YouTube/Beyonce)

But it's not just the potential results in the magazine that have got people talking, but what this choice move signals about the magazine's iconic figurehead Wintour.

Who is Anna Wintour?

Anna Wintour has edited US Vogue since 1988, and in that time she has become as much of a bell weather for popularity as the fashion bible she leads.

A titan of the industry for decades, few figures in the worlds of fashion or media are as instantly recognisable, or as profoundly influential as she is.

To be in her inner sanctum is a privilege few enjoy, while many fear her judgement. A thinly veiled caricature of the London-born editor was famously performed by Meryl Streep in the film adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's memoir The Devil Wears Prada.

Who do people think Wintour is leaving Vogue?

In 2017, Alexandra Shulman stepped down from her 25 years of editing British Vogue, and was replaced by Edward Enninful - a major move which reignited the magazine, and has been praised as a move towards greater diversity.

The first cover of British Vogue under the new editorship of Edward Enniful (Condé Nast Publications Ltd)

A rumour spread around Vogue in recent months that Anna Wintour may be the next one on the move.

The announcement of Beyoncé's involvement in the September Issue has only increased speculation that something big may be in the offing.

The rumour mill is spinning with the possibility that 68-year-old Wintour could be about to make her exit, moving on to an even loftier role at Condé Nast, or retiring from the industry altogether.

What is The September Issue?

The September Issue is traditionally the biggest and most important edition of Vogue each year.

It features new season trends and usually carries the most pages of big name advertisements - often numbering over 200. It is also known for carrying a huge celebrity on the cover, and usually sells more than any other edition in the year.

A documentary film called The September Issue followed Wintour and her team as they produced the 2007 edition of the magazine.

It is because of the impact of this issue that many people believe Wintour may use it to bow out.

Anna Wintour in her office at US Vogue

Who would replace her as editor of US Vogue?

There is some suggestion that having transformed British Vogue already in his short tenure, Enniful could be moved to US Vogue as a successor for Wintour.

Other names who have been mentioned in the past include Vogue's Digital Creative Director Sally Singer, former Teen Vogue editor Amy Astley, or even a more left-field choice like Victoria Beckham.

We will have to wait until mid August for the unveiling of Beyoncé's Vogue cover - and any other major announcements that may come with it.