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Anna: The Biography
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best History & Biography (2022)This definitive biography of Anna Wintour follows the steep climb of an ambitious young woman who would—with singular and legendary focus—become one of the most powerful people in media.
As a child, Anna Wintour was a tomboy with no apparent interest in clothing but, seduced by the miniskirts and bob haircuts of swinging 1960s London, she grew into a fashion-obsessed teenager. Her father, an influential newspaper editor, loomed large in her life, and once he decided she should become editor-in-chief of Vogue, she never looked back.
Impatient to start her career, she left high school and got a job at a trendy boutique in London—an experience that would be the first of many defeats. Undeterred, she found work in the competitive world of magazines, eventually embarking on a journey to New York and a battle to ascend, no matter who or what stood in her way. Once she was crowned editor-in-chief of Vogue—in one of the stormiest transitions in fashion magazine history—she continued the fight to retain her enviable position, ultimately rising to dominate all of Condé Nast.
Based on extensive interviews with Anna Wintour’s closest friends and collaborators, including some of the biggest names in fashion, journalist Amy Odell has crafted the most revealing portrait of Wintour ever published. Weaving Anna’s personal story into a larger narrative about the hierarchical dynamics of the fashion industry and the complex world of Condé Nast, Anna charts the relentless ambition of the woman who would become an icon.
As a child, Anna Wintour was a tomboy with no apparent interest in clothing but, seduced by the miniskirts and bob haircuts of swinging 1960s London, she grew into a fashion-obsessed teenager. Her father, an influential newspaper editor, loomed large in her life, and once he decided she should become editor-in-chief of Vogue, she never looked back.
Impatient to start her career, she left high school and got a job at a trendy boutique in London—an experience that would be the first of many defeats. Undeterred, she found work in the competitive world of magazines, eventually embarking on a journey to New York and a battle to ascend, no matter who or what stood in her way. Once she was crowned editor-in-chief of Vogue—in one of the stormiest transitions in fashion magazine history—she continued the fight to retain her enviable position, ultimately rising to dominate all of Condé Nast.
Based on extensive interviews with Anna Wintour’s closest friends and collaborators, including some of the biggest names in fashion, journalist Amy Odell has crafted the most revealing portrait of Wintour ever published. Weaving Anna’s personal story into a larger narrative about the hierarchical dynamics of the fashion industry and the complex world of Condé Nast, Anna charts the relentless ambition of the woman who would become an icon.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2022
About the author
Amy Odell
2 books147 followersAmy Odell is the editor of Cosmopolitan.com, the largest community of millennial women on the Internet. She was named to the post in September 2013 and oversees all of Cosmopolitan’s digital presence, including editorial content, social media, and original video production. Odell is responsible for expanding the website’s editorial to include a wide range of feminist, political, and LGBTQ topics alongside celebrity news, and relationship and style coverage. Under her leadership, Cosmopolitan.com has more than doubled traffic to reach over 34 million monthly unique visitors, and the brand’s social media following has increased threefold to nine million. As a result, Cosmo was recognized as the “hottest magazine in digital” on the 2014 Adweek Hot List.
In 2015, Odell was named to Forbes' list of “30 Under 30” in media and featured in Adweek as a “New Publisher,” one of 15 young innovators who will change the magazine business. In 2014, Odell was selected to Crain’s New York Business prestigious “40 Under 40” list, and included in the Business of Fashion 500, a professional index of people shaping the global fashion industry.
Prior to Cosmopolitan.com, Odell was an editor at BuzzFeed from 2012 through 2013 and is credited with the launch of two women’s verticals for the viral news site, BuzzFeed Fashion and BuzzFeed Shift. Odell began her journalism career in 2007 as a party reporter for New York magazine, where she ultimately became the founding blogger of the magazine’s fashion blog, The Cut, in 2008.
Odell is a graduate of New York University and lives in Tribeca with her husband and very sassy cat.
In 2015, Odell was named to Forbes' list of “30 Under 30” in media and featured in Adweek as a “New Publisher,” one of 15 young innovators who will change the magazine business. In 2014, Odell was selected to Crain’s New York Business prestigious “40 Under 40” list, and included in the Business of Fashion 500, a professional index of people shaping the global fashion industry.
Prior to Cosmopolitan.com, Odell was an editor at BuzzFeed from 2012 through 2013 and is credited with the launch of two women’s verticals for the viral news site, BuzzFeed Fashion and BuzzFeed Shift. Odell began her journalism career in 2007 as a party reporter for New York magazine, where she ultimately became the founding blogger of the magazine’s fashion blog, The Cut, in 2008.
Odell is a graduate of New York University and lives in Tribeca with her husband and very sassy cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews
December 14, 2022
Review Anna is the most powerful person in fashion marketing. If you want a job with her, are young, well-connected, went to a 'good' school, thin, wear excrutiatingly painful high heels and always the latest fashions from very expensive shops with a matching very expensive haircut, then you might get an interview. Anna does not tolerate anyone who does not fit that mould.
Except for Andre Leon Talley who was her best, best friend from the moment they met, and he topped 400lb at his most obese. Even when she downgraded his job at Vogue (not as much as he whined about in his book she still supported him, still wanted to see him, and still took him on her personal shopping trips. But since he was a major overspender and the publishers had had enough of funding his over-the-top lifestyle, she no longer gave him expenses and that put his nose out of joint.
Other than that, there is precious little in the book of Anna's personal relationships. They are just names and kind of amorphous descriptions, even her husbands don't come to life in this book. It's all about Anna the career woman, Anna the private person is not revealed. Perhaps she really has achieved the ideal celebrity: a huge public presence with the salary to match and a satisfying and private home life no one much knows anything about?
The book is well-written, if frustrating in not fulfilling the blurb of being 'the definitive biography'. Too much tell and not enough show on the personal level. Very much a book about a mega-successful career woman who has defined style for a certain type of woman for decades.
You know what I always wonder when I see her? Why she never moves with fashion herself but always looks really outdated in that awful hairstyle and terribly old-fashioned shoes?
__________
Update When you think about it, a fashion magazine aimed at the very rich and clueless (and preferably very thin) to tell them what to wear to show their chops and status, and for everyone else to try and emulate on a budget, is really ridiculous. It doesn't matter what you wear if you are happy in it and it's (relatively) clean. The most stylish people are not those wearing fashion anyway but those who've gone beyond, and are making fashion, often clubbers and art students in the big European cities.
The little boutiques produce clothes according to what the clubbers want to wear, the fashion designers see these new trends emerging and the expensive fashion houses come out with watered down designs - giving them a more wearable edge - and pretend tat they thought of the design themselves. And the fashion magazines collude.
Those who cannot afford the photographed originals but the fashionistas who are desperate to look cutting-edge,, look in the high-end boutiques for the first copies to come out and don't mind paying. Then the design, even more 'wearable' will appear in the department stores, Saks, Macy's and inevitably, eventually T J Maxx but by then Vogue, the clueless wealthy, the Hollywood stars who are image-conscious, the fashionistas will have moved on to whatever has been inspired by the kids on the street...
I was in the fashion industry in several minor ways. I designed clothes for a small European company and went out to Bali four times a year to do some fabric designs and see first items being produced. I also designed them for my own boutique in the islands (morphed into the bookshop). I got involved in the wholesale end in London, the big industry fashion shows, the small designers, the importers, I even bought one-off samples bought by various companies to copy for their own 'wearable' version (for me. I was slim then, 20 years ago). I saw exactly how the business works.
Did you know that, just the same as in electronics and make-up, various companies will make for any brand, using the same basic materials but different colours, different patterns or different scents? Once they've been ordered they are exclusive to one company, but another might sell a very similar dress made in the exact same fabric but a different pattern or colour, to the same standard and one dress might sell for $180 and the other for $80? Pricing is like Amazon products, lots of companies charging different amounts for the same item.
The other way was producing fashion shows for myself and other stores. For my own ones, I used to go to London to various designers I had got friendly with and got their really high-end, low run outfits for next to nothing. How this works is that clothes have a 4% overrun in case there are issues. The company often has to sign a contract specifying any spare will not be resold but will be destroyed. So then they sell them to as I'm taking them out of the country. But some end up on market stalls. And you can tell.
Anything with a ripped label is likely to be high(er)-end sold cheaply in a place that the retailers who bought the clothes would not be looking in. The ripped label, like the black mark on remaindered books, serves to ensure that the item cannot be returned.
But this is not Anna Wintour's concern: fashion and the magazine that is one of the main promotional tools for this industry that sells status as much as its clothes is. Her concern is remaining at the top of that pyramid by maintaining the goodwill of designers, celebrities and the publishers - these last by bringing in the advertising dollars, without which Vogue would cease to exist and Anna would be out of a job. It always come down to the bottom line.
__________
Remember Tim Gunn from Project Runway? Banned from the Met Ball by Anna despite being willing and able to pay $35K for a ticket
__________
What do I know about Anna Wintour that I didn't already know from the media, the The Devil Wears Prada or Andre Leon Talley's book The Chiffon Trenches now I've read half of Anna? Not much. The book is not about Anna Wintour the person, but about Anna Wintour's career with occasional titbits of her personal life where it affects her professional life.
It is a tribute to the author's writing that she can write over 200 pages (so far, that I've read) without boring me and without telling me anything much about Anna that isn't common knowledge. The only thing I've read I didn't know is that Andre Leon Talley's version of their friendship comes under the Queen Elizabeth's excellent phrase, "recollections may vary" when retorting to Meghan Markle who says that her feelings cannot be questioned as they are feelings, even when distorting the facts. And so it is for Talley.
Talley made out that Anna was some kind of ice queen who cared nothing about him when he was no longer useful and just downgraded him. He quit. But she did nothing but good things for him - excusing his extravagent expense account, his dislike of working normal office hours, his not getting on with the ultimate bosses, and when in a time of great grief, it is him she wants by her side, he is from the moment they meet, her great friend.
Anna Wintour's mystery persists beyond her prescription dark glasses and so far this book has hardly let a chink of light through.
Except for Andre Leon Talley who was her best, best friend from the moment they met, and he topped 400lb at his most obese. Even when she downgraded his job at Vogue (not as much as he whined about in his book she still supported him, still wanted to see him, and still took him on her personal shopping trips. But since he was a major overspender and the publishers had had enough of funding his over-the-top lifestyle, she no longer gave him expenses and that put his nose out of joint.
Other than that, there is precious little in the book of Anna's personal relationships. They are just names and kind of amorphous descriptions, even her husbands don't come to life in this book. It's all about Anna the career woman, Anna the private person is not revealed. Perhaps she really has achieved the ideal celebrity: a huge public presence with the salary to match and a satisfying and private home life no one much knows anything about?
The book is well-written, if frustrating in not fulfilling the blurb of being 'the definitive biography'. Too much tell and not enough show on the personal level. Very much a book about a mega-successful career woman who has defined style for a certain type of woman for decades.
You know what I always wonder when I see her? Why she never moves with fashion herself but always looks really outdated in that awful hairstyle and terribly old-fashioned shoes?
__________
Update When you think about it, a fashion magazine aimed at the very rich and clueless (and preferably very thin) to tell them what to wear to show their chops and status, and for everyone else to try and emulate on a budget, is really ridiculous. It doesn't matter what you wear if you are happy in it and it's (relatively) clean. The most stylish people are not those wearing fashion anyway but those who've gone beyond, and are making fashion, often clubbers and art students in the big European cities.
The little boutiques produce clothes according to what the clubbers want to wear, the fashion designers see these new trends emerging and the expensive fashion houses come out with watered down designs - giving them a more wearable edge - and pretend tat they thought of the design themselves. And the fashion magazines collude.
Those who cannot afford the photographed originals but the fashionistas who are desperate to look cutting-edge,, look in the high-end boutiques for the first copies to come out and don't mind paying. Then the design, even more 'wearable' will appear in the department stores, Saks, Macy's and inevitably, eventually T J Maxx but by then Vogue, the clueless wealthy, the Hollywood stars who are image-conscious, the fashionistas will have moved on to whatever has been inspired by the kids on the street...
I was in the fashion industry in several minor ways. I designed clothes for a small European company and went out to Bali four times a year to do some fabric designs and see first items being produced. I also designed them for my own boutique in the islands (morphed into the bookshop). I got involved in the wholesale end in London, the big industry fashion shows, the small designers, the importers, I even bought one-off samples bought by various companies to copy for their own 'wearable' version (for me. I was slim then, 20 years ago). I saw exactly how the business works.
Did you know that, just the same as in electronics and make-up, various companies will make for any brand, using the same basic materials but different colours, different patterns or different scents? Once they've been ordered they are exclusive to one company, but another might sell a very similar dress made in the exact same fabric but a different pattern or colour, to the same standard and one dress might sell for $180 and the other for $80? Pricing is like Amazon products, lots of companies charging different amounts for the same item.
The other way was producing fashion shows for myself and other stores. For my own ones, I used to go to London to various designers I had got friendly with and got their really high-end, low run outfits for next to nothing. How this works is that clothes have a 4% overrun in case there are issues. The company often has to sign a contract specifying any spare will not be resold but will be destroyed. So then they sell them to as I'm taking them out of the country. But some end up on market stalls. And you can tell.
Anything with a ripped label is likely to be high(er)-end sold cheaply in a place that the retailers who bought the clothes would not be looking in. The ripped label, like the black mark on remaindered books, serves to ensure that the item cannot be returned.
But this is not Anna Wintour's concern: fashion and the magazine that is one of the main promotional tools for this industry that sells status as much as its clothes is. Her concern is remaining at the top of that pyramid by maintaining the goodwill of designers, celebrities and the publishers - these last by bringing in the advertising dollars, without which Vogue would cease to exist and Anna would be out of a job. It always come down to the bottom line.
__________
Remember Tim Gunn from Project Runway? Banned from the Met Ball by Anna despite being willing and able to pay $35K for a ticket
Gunn had been on Anna’s bad side ever since writing in his book Gunn’s Golden Rules and stating publicly that the most ridiculous thing he’d seen in fashion was Anna getting carried down the stairs by her two bodyguards in a fireman’s lock to swiftly exit a fashion show venue. Despite Anna’s public relations person and lawyers demanding a retraction, Gunn said he stood by his comment and never made one!This is despite being creative director of a major fashion company (Liz Claiborne) and a highly-placed academic at Parsons. I don't know if he was right though, I think the most ridiculous thing I ever saw was Kardashian in head to toe (including face) black latex that she couldn't sit down in and had to be transported to the Met Ball in a stand-up vehicle. Is this fashion?
__________
What do I know about Anna Wintour that I didn't already know from the media, the The Devil Wears Prada or Andre Leon Talley's book The Chiffon Trenches now I've read half of Anna? Not much. The book is not about Anna Wintour the person, but about Anna Wintour's career with occasional titbits of her personal life where it affects her professional life.
It is a tribute to the author's writing that she can write over 200 pages (so far, that I've read) without boring me and without telling me anything much about Anna that isn't common knowledge. The only thing I've read I didn't know is that Andre Leon Talley's version of their friendship comes under the Queen Elizabeth's excellent phrase, "recollections may vary" when retorting to Meghan Markle who says that her feelings cannot be questioned as they are feelings, even when distorting the facts. And so it is for Talley.
Talley made out that Anna was some kind of ice queen who cared nothing about him when he was no longer useful and just downgraded him. He quit. But she did nothing but good things for him - excusing his extravagent expense account, his dislike of working normal office hours, his not getting on with the ultimate bosses, and when in a time of great grief, it is him she wants by her side, he is from the moment they meet, her great friend.
Anna Wintour's mystery persists beyond her prescription dark glasses and so far this book has hardly let a chink of light through.
December 1, 2023
Anna Wintour has been Editor-in-Chief of Vogue magazine for decades, a workaholic whose somewhat prickly personality has earned her the nickname ‘Nuclear Wintour’. I’d enjoyed The Vanity Fair Diaries: 1983-1992 by Tina Brown in which Wintour featured as somebody Brown had befriended and sought counsel from when she took up the reins at Vogue’s sister magazine and I’d hoped this biography might offer up similarly spicy account of how a talented and ambitious woman worked her way up to the top of her profession.
Born in England, Anna’s father was editor of the London Evening Standard and her mother an American with strong family lineage. Consequently, Anna never had to struggle for money. She was always interested in fashion and after working on a number of smaller publications she found herself heading up British Vogue. But this was never going to be enough for her, she had her eyes on the ‘big job’ in New York. This book details her journey and along the way provides a decent commentary on the daily workings of a fashion magazine. In this respect it’s pretty comprehensive, but what it lacks is some real in-depth insight into the woman herself. This is primarily down to the fact that it’s all pieced together from third party accounts of events and opinions put forwards by friends and foes. It really isn’t anything like the first person account Tina Brown produced.
The picture painted is of a woman whose leadership style is decisive but autocratic, who is controlled but also controlling and yet despite all the power she wields it seems that Wintour has an aversion to direct confrontation. It’s also clear that she never engages in small talk with her colleagues. Accordingly, some of her behaviours feel odd and unnecessarily cold – such as her one word feedback to those who present their hard work for her approval (either a positive ‘ok’ or a disdainfully abrupt rejection).
There are certainly elements I found interesting, including sections touching on her associations with Donald Trump, and Harvey Weinstein but for me there was too much focus on descriptions of how any number of fashion shoots played out and the piecing together of various editions of her magazine. Also, a good deal of time is spent discussing what everyone is wearing – Anna, it seems, has zero tolerance for anyone who she considers to be badly dressed. Ultimately, I came away with a feeling that the author had failed to get fully under the skin of this enigmatic lady in this detailed but unfortunately dull telling of her story.
Born in England, Anna’s father was editor of the London Evening Standard and her mother an American with strong family lineage. Consequently, Anna never had to struggle for money. She was always interested in fashion and after working on a number of smaller publications she found herself heading up British Vogue. But this was never going to be enough for her, she had her eyes on the ‘big job’ in New York. This book details her journey and along the way provides a decent commentary on the daily workings of a fashion magazine. In this respect it’s pretty comprehensive, but what it lacks is some real in-depth insight into the woman herself. This is primarily down to the fact that it’s all pieced together from third party accounts of events and opinions put forwards by friends and foes. It really isn’t anything like the first person account Tina Brown produced.
The picture painted is of a woman whose leadership style is decisive but autocratic, who is controlled but also controlling and yet despite all the power she wields it seems that Wintour has an aversion to direct confrontation. It’s also clear that she never engages in small talk with her colleagues. Accordingly, some of her behaviours feel odd and unnecessarily cold – such as her one word feedback to those who present their hard work for her approval (either a positive ‘ok’ or a disdainfully abrupt rejection).
There are certainly elements I found interesting, including sections touching on her associations with Donald Trump, and Harvey Weinstein but for me there was too much focus on descriptions of how any number of fashion shoots played out and the piecing together of various editions of her magazine. Also, a good deal of time is spent discussing what everyone is wearing – Anna, it seems, has zero tolerance for anyone who she considers to be badly dressed. Ultimately, I came away with a feeling that the author had failed to get fully under the skin of this enigmatic lady in this detailed but unfortunately dull telling of her story.
December 26, 2022
A fascinating look at an absolutely fascinating woman. This is how you fucking girlboss.
October 17, 2022
The fastest way to my drama- and high-fashion-loving heart is just three little words: Unauthorized. Wintour. Biography.
Okay, if we’re being honest, Anna isn’t technically unauthorized in the sense that Wintour like, publicly disavowed the book or forbade anyone in her circle from cooperating with author Amy Odell. Plenty of people close to Wintour, both professionally and personally, were interviewed for this book – so it’s not like we don’t get a close-up view of the Anna Wintour that exists behind the curtain. But on the other hand, when Odell contacted Wintour about potentially being interviewed for the book, Wintour’s response was basically, “Oh, you’re writing a book about me? How wonderful, I can’t wait to read it when you’re finished.” And that was that. So no, Anna Wintour herself does not make an appearance in this biography. But Odell more than makes up the deficit by supplying us with interviews from people who have known Anna at every stage of her career.
And what a career it’s been. Anna Wintour began working in magazines right out of college (her origin story is, frankly, fucking hilarious – Anna Wintour’s father was a famous newspaper editor, and to hear Odell tell it, Anna graduated from college and someone immediately approached her and was like, “You there, twenty-two year old girl with a famous father and no professional experience! Want to be the editor in chief of this magazine?” MUST BE NICE.)
Nepotism aside, Wintour showed a true gift for understanding what would sell, even at an early age. Shortly after Wintour becomes editor-in-chief of Vogue in the early 80’s, she’s sitting next to a man on a plane who, after Wintour tells him where she works, says that he likes Vogue because it’s a classy magazine that never would never put someone like Madonna on the cover. And then Wintour immediately schedules Madonna to be on the next cover, and it’s one of the early best-selling issues.
Anna Wintour was also one of the first to realize in the late 90's that Vogue needed to be brought online, as soon as possible - in 2022, with print media rapidly becoming an endangered species, this particular insight seems downright visionary.
And of course, Amy Odell discusses The Book. Because, like it or not, you cannot write an Anna Wintour biography and not talk about The Book.
Odell does not spend any more time than is necessary discussing the publication and fallout of The Devil Wears Prada. It occupies its own chapter in the biography, but it’s presented as merely another episode in the long career of Anna Wintour. And, amazingly, by the time I got to the end of the section, I actually felt kind of sorry for Wintour. As I’ve said, she’s not directly interviewed for this book, so we don’t get her own take on the novel, but there are enough interviews with her close friends and colleagues for us to understand that she was hurt by it, and the overall reaction from the people who have known her for years was that Lauren Weisberger’s book was an unfair portrayal that had no basis in reality. (And, with the added context about the creation of the novel that this biography provides, you can see exactly how Miranda Priestly came about: Weisberger wrote a novel based on her time at Vogue but it was super boring, because her job at Vogue was super boring, and so someone probably suggested that she beef it up by making her fictional boss into a total monster. And of course, because everyone knew where Weisberger had worked and who her real boss was, they all made the assumption that Miranda Priestly was an accurate stand-in for Anna Wintour when in reality, Wesiberger’s original draft was probably a lot closer to the real Wintour.)
It’s to the book’s detriment (and no fault of Odell's) that the book starts to lag towards the end. The portrait she paints of Wintour in the later years of her tenure at Vogue is that of a formerly sharp editor gradually losing her touch. Odell discusses – without really getting into the nitty-gritty – various scandals at Vogue that happened on her watch. According to Odell, there have been many instances in recent years where various Vogue staffers have had to talk Wintour out of running a feature that would be misguided at best, and flat-out racist at worst. Based on what Odell writes, Anna Wintour seems to have lost that intuition that made her so successful for so long.
This biography is technically unfinished, because of course, Anna Wintour still reigns as editor-in-chief at Vogue and has no plans to pass the baton anytime soon. She also, according to Odell, has no intention of ever writing her memoirs. Anna might be the closest we ever get to a true inside look at a legend.
Okay, if we’re being honest, Anna isn’t technically unauthorized in the sense that Wintour like, publicly disavowed the book or forbade anyone in her circle from cooperating with author Amy Odell. Plenty of people close to Wintour, both professionally and personally, were interviewed for this book – so it’s not like we don’t get a close-up view of the Anna Wintour that exists behind the curtain. But on the other hand, when Odell contacted Wintour about potentially being interviewed for the book, Wintour’s response was basically, “Oh, you’re writing a book about me? How wonderful, I can’t wait to read it when you’re finished.” And that was that. So no, Anna Wintour herself does not make an appearance in this biography. But Odell more than makes up the deficit by supplying us with interviews from people who have known Anna at every stage of her career.
And what a career it’s been. Anna Wintour began working in magazines right out of college (her origin story is, frankly, fucking hilarious – Anna Wintour’s father was a famous newspaper editor, and to hear Odell tell it, Anna graduated from college and someone immediately approached her and was like, “You there, twenty-two year old girl with a famous father and no professional experience! Want to be the editor in chief of this magazine?” MUST BE NICE.)
Nepotism aside, Wintour showed a true gift for understanding what would sell, even at an early age. Shortly after Wintour becomes editor-in-chief of Vogue in the early 80’s, she’s sitting next to a man on a plane who, after Wintour tells him where she works, says that he likes Vogue because it’s a classy magazine that never would never put someone like Madonna on the cover. And then Wintour immediately schedules Madonna to be on the next cover, and it’s one of the early best-selling issues.
Anna Wintour was also one of the first to realize in the late 90's that Vogue needed to be brought online, as soon as possible - in 2022, with print media rapidly becoming an endangered species, this particular insight seems downright visionary.
And of course, Amy Odell discusses The Book. Because, like it or not, you cannot write an Anna Wintour biography and not talk about The Book.
Odell does not spend any more time than is necessary discussing the publication and fallout of The Devil Wears Prada. It occupies its own chapter in the biography, but it’s presented as merely another episode in the long career of Anna Wintour. And, amazingly, by the time I got to the end of the section, I actually felt kind of sorry for Wintour. As I’ve said, she’s not directly interviewed for this book, so we don’t get her own take on the novel, but there are enough interviews with her close friends and colleagues for us to understand that she was hurt by it, and the overall reaction from the people who have known her for years was that Lauren Weisberger’s book was an unfair portrayal that had no basis in reality. (And, with the added context about the creation of the novel that this biography provides, you can see exactly how Miranda Priestly came about: Weisberger wrote a novel based on her time at Vogue but it was super boring, because her job at Vogue was super boring, and so someone probably suggested that she beef it up by making her fictional boss into a total monster. And of course, because everyone knew where Weisberger had worked and who her real boss was, they all made the assumption that Miranda Priestly was an accurate stand-in for Anna Wintour when in reality, Wesiberger’s original draft was probably a lot closer to the real Wintour.)
It’s to the book’s detriment (and no fault of Odell's) that the book starts to lag towards the end. The portrait she paints of Wintour in the later years of her tenure at Vogue is that of a formerly sharp editor gradually losing her touch. Odell discusses – without really getting into the nitty-gritty – various scandals at Vogue that happened on her watch. According to Odell, there have been many instances in recent years where various Vogue staffers have had to talk Wintour out of running a feature that would be misguided at best, and flat-out racist at worst. Based on what Odell writes, Anna Wintour seems to have lost that intuition that made her so successful for so long.
This biography is technically unfinished, because of course, Anna Wintour still reigns as editor-in-chief at Vogue and has no plans to pass the baton anytime soon. She also, according to Odell, has no intention of ever writing her memoirs. Anna might be the closest we ever get to a true inside look at a legend.
May 3, 2022
Anna Wintour isn't just the most powerful person in fashion today; she's one of the most powerful women in the world. And yet, we know so little about the woman behind the blunt bob and dark sunglasses — until now.
When I saw that Amy Odell was working on a biography of Anna Wintour, I knew it was going to be good. Odell has a reputation in the fashion and media industries for having a sharp mind and tough questions, so this was never going to be a puff piece. Indeed, Odell put in the grunt work, accumulating over 250 interviews and a thick index. While Wintour herself declined to be interviewed, Odell got unprecedented access to people around Wintour, from childhood family friends to current industry titans, and assembled it into one biography.
What I was most impressed by was the way Odell manages to humanize Wintour, a figure who has carried the reputation of being an ice queen for over four decades and who is rather famously private. Especially since "The Devil Wears Prada," she's become a kind of pop culture icon about whom we know very little. Odell doesn't shy away from discussing Wintour's many missteps — whether cutting people out of her life with no notice or explanation, or creating racially or politically insensitive content for Vogue, it's all in here — but aims to add context to the system and circumstances surrounding Wintour which might lead to those decisions. That's an incredibly hard line to walk.
If you're looking for something gossip-y (and early reviews seem to indicate this was the case for a lot of people), this probably isn't for you; Odell treats her subject quite seriously and only offers a few kernels of Daily Mail-worthy tidbits. (Though they're always fun to receive, obviously.) But if you're a serious fashion fan, this is a foundational text to understanding the industry's current landscape. And since Wintour never plans to write a memoir, it's guaranteed to become the definitive resource on Wintour's life.
Disclosure: I was given an ARC by Gallery to cover "Anna: The Biography" for my job!
When I saw that Amy Odell was working on a biography of Anna Wintour, I knew it was going to be good. Odell has a reputation in the fashion and media industries for having a sharp mind and tough questions, so this was never going to be a puff piece. Indeed, Odell put in the grunt work, accumulating over 250 interviews and a thick index. While Wintour herself declined to be interviewed, Odell got unprecedented access to people around Wintour, from childhood family friends to current industry titans, and assembled it into one biography.
What I was most impressed by was the way Odell manages to humanize Wintour, a figure who has carried the reputation of being an ice queen for over four decades and who is rather famously private. Especially since "The Devil Wears Prada," she's become a kind of pop culture icon about whom we know very little. Odell doesn't shy away from discussing Wintour's many missteps — whether cutting people out of her life with no notice or explanation, or creating racially or politically insensitive content for Vogue, it's all in here — but aims to add context to the system and circumstances surrounding Wintour which might lead to those decisions. That's an incredibly hard line to walk.
If you're looking for something gossip-y (and early reviews seem to indicate this was the case for a lot of people), this probably isn't for you; Odell treats her subject quite seriously and only offers a few kernels of Daily Mail-worthy tidbits. (Though they're always fun to receive, obviously.) But if you're a serious fashion fan, this is a foundational text to understanding the industry's current landscape. And since Wintour never plans to write a memoir, it's guaranteed to become the definitive resource on Wintour's life.
Disclosure: I was given an ARC by Gallery to cover "Anna: The Biography" for my job!
May 16, 2022
I helped with some of the research in this book, so I may be biased, but this is really a delicious, entertaining read that is at once unsparring but also sympathetic toward its subject - or at least really tries to understand her. It's fair but also fun. And by investigating Anna, it also delves into the fashion industry, pop culture, publishing, politics and how all these things are intertwined (and Anna's role in intertwining them, or at least further intertwining them). The Met Gala stuff was particularly fascinating.
Lately, I've read lots of nonfiction/bios that feel so padded and florid, and this book definitely does not have that problem — every single detail, anecdote is so well chosen, so illustrative, and the writing is so clear. After I read it I simultaneously felt I understood Anna and her importance and hold on the industry better than ever while also feeling more baffled by her and her power. I think it's a testament to this book that after 300 + pages I actually walked away more intrigued by her than before.
Lately, I've read lots of nonfiction/bios that feel so padded and florid, and this book definitely does not have that problem — every single detail, anecdote is so well chosen, so illustrative, and the writing is so clear. After I read it I simultaneously felt I understood Anna and her importance and hold on the industry better than ever while also feeling more baffled by her and her power. I think it's a testament to this book that after 300 + pages I actually walked away more intrigued by her than before.
August 2, 2022
A balanced portrait of a woman who seems to do equally as much harm as she does good. I walked away not knowing how to feel about Anna, which was a sure sign that this book did a thorough job of highlighting all her complexities – from her moments of sheer awfulness to the times where she's gone above and beyond to help people in both a private and public way. I found Anna's early life in particular to be fascinating.
February 11, 2024
Amy Odell se aventó la tarea titánica de contar la historia de la mujer más poderosa en el mundo de la moda. No la adula, pero reconoce sus méritos, no la condena, pero señala sus errores; no es ni una oda llena de elogios ni una cancelación llena de críticas, me parece un retrato objetivo.
Fue una lectura muy informativa, no solamente sobre la vida de una señora que ya es "larger than life", sino también sobre la industria de la moda y el papel de Condé Nast, así como sobre la manera en la que han cambiado nuestros hábitos de consumo de medios en el último medio siglo.
Fue una lectura muy informativa, no solamente sobre la vida de una señora que ya es "larger than life", sino también sobre la industria de la moda y el papel de Condé Nast, así como sobre la manera en la que han cambiado nuestros hábitos de consumo de medios en el último medio siglo.
June 12, 2022
Like 80% of this book is about hiring shuffles at Condé Nast. Anna Wintour is fascinating and hearing about her childhood was very interesting. I don’t feel like there are incredible insights in this book though. Kinda fun, but kinda boring.
July 24, 2022
I was a little bit disappointed with this one, I thought it was going to be juicey but instead found it quite dry and very factual which I found hard to read. It got fairly repetitive and almost Wikipedia like
November 12, 2022
Worum geht’s?
In „Anna“ beleuchtet die Autorin Amy Odell das Leben einer der bekanntesten und einflussreichsten Frauen der Modewelt: Anna Wintour. Um keine Frau der Fashionwelt ranken sich vermutlich so viele Mythen und Geschichten wie um die Frau, die stets mit einer Sonnenbrille stoisch und ruhig beobachtendend in der Front Row sitzt. Wie Anna Wintour jedoch zur Modewelt fand und schlussendlich die Leitung des einflussreichsten Modemagazins, der amerikanischen Vogue übernahm, und wie viel Wahrheit in Filmen wie „Der Teufel trägt Prada“ steckt, zeigt die Autorin in dieser vielseitigen und umfassenden Biografie.
Schreibstil und inhaltliche Gestaltung
Der Schreibstil ist informativ mit einer erzählenden Ausrichtung gehalten. Sprachlich bewegt sich das Buch im Bereich der Alltagsliteratur. Die Struktur des Buches ist chronologisch ausgerichtet, teilweise aber auch inhaltlich. Die jeweiligen haben entsprechende Überschriften und beleuchten schrittweise das Leben von Anna Wintour und die beruflichen Veränderungen. Im Mittelteil sind umfassende Fotografien enthalten.
,
Meine Meinung
Ich kann gar nicht zählen, wie oft ich den legendären Film „Der Teufel trägt Prada“ geschaut habe, damals noch als Teenager ohne wirkliche Ahnung von der Modewelt. Doch mit zunehmendem Alter interessierte ich mich immer mehr für die Hintergründe und natürlich auch die Frage: Ist der Film eine überspitzte Darstellung oder ist Anna Wintour wirklich so furchteinflößend? Über lange Zeit habe ich das Magazin gelesen und mit Dokumentationen wie „The September Issue“ und „First Monday in May“ zwar teilweise schon leichte Einblicke gewonnen, aber dieses Buch? Das ist ein ganz anderes Level!
Zunächst war ich überrascht von dem doch recht dicken Erscheinungsbild des Buches und ich kann auch bestätigen, dass man hier einige Lesestunden dran verbringen wird. Aber es hat sich gelohnt, ohne Frage. Ich habe meist 2-3 Kapitel am Stück gelesen und dann gern auch die ein oder andere Information noch durch Google vertieft. Die Biografie ist sehr umfassend, beginnend bei der kindlichen Anna, ihren ersten Schritten in der Modewelt und vor allem den familiären Hintergrund in der Verlagswelt. Es geht um große und kleine Schritte, um vermeintliche Rückschritte und gigantische Sprünge nach vorn, um gezielte Verbesserungen und ungewollte Verschlechterungen – sowohl in Annas Leben als auch in ihrer Tätigkeit. Wer hätte gedacht, wie viele Stufen Anna Wintour erklimmen musste, um da zu landen, wo sie heute ist, wie viele Stolpersteine auf dem Weg lagen – aber auch, wie viele Kontrahenten sie mit geschickten Entscheidungen und Einflüssen aus dem Weg geräumt hat. Das Buch ist biografisch erzählend und lässt so einige Wegbegleiter von Anna Wintour zu Wort kommen, nicht immer mit rein positiven Worten.
Doch der O-Ton ist relativ klar: Diese Frau hat Großes erreicht und wird von vielen geachtet, ganz egal, ob alle ihre Methoden so teilen oder gutheißen. Ich hatte unmittelbar vorher die Lektüre eines Buches über die Entstehung der Zeitschrift Vogue gelesen, wo natürlich auch Anna Wintour sehr präsent vorkam. Ich fand es nun also interessant, ergänzend und teilweise auch abweichend zu erfahren, wie bestimmte Situationen entstanden. Die Autorin konzentriert sich fast ausschließlich auf die Wirkung von Anna Wintour, geht aber auch gern darauf ein, welche kulturellen und tatsächlichen Herausforderungen die Vogue mit der Zeit meistern musste.
Für mich ist „Anna“ ein beeindruckendes Buch über eine Frau, über die viel geredet wird, die aber selbst wenig redet. Entsprechend ist das Buch hauptsächlich auf Berichte, Zeitzeugen und zugängliche Informationen gestützt, denn Anna Wintour selbst wollte nicht an dem Buch mitwirken. Vielleicht ist es aber auch gerade deshalb so umfangreich und vielseitig geworden, wodurch der Leser ein sehr umfassendes Bild von Anna Wintour erlangen kann. Ich habe mich bei der Lektüre immer wieder in dem Buch verloren, welches mit informativen Inhalten und netten Anekdoten sehr punkten kann. Die Frage, ob Anna Wintour wirklich der Teufel ist, der Prada trägt, vermag ich nach der Lektüre zwar immer noch nicht beantworten, aber an der Hochachtung für diese beeindruckende Frau hat sich bei mir nichts geändert.
Mein Fazit
Anna ist ein vielseitiges und hochinteressantes Buch über eine unzweifelhaft interessante Persönlichkeit. In dieser umfangreichen Biografie wird das Leben der Modeikone schrittweise beleuchtet und erklärt, wie sie zu dem wurde, was sie heute ist. Mit zahlreichen Anekdoten und Aussagen von Wegbegleitern ist es ein gut gelungenes Werk, wenngleich sicher an der ein oder anderen Stelle eine kritischere Auseinandersetzung noch etwas besser gewesen wär. Für Fashionistas, Glossy-Addicts und Leute, die sich gern in interessante Themen einlesen, eine absolute Kaufempfehlung!
[Diese Rezension basiert auf einem Rezensionsexemplar, das mir freundlicherweise vom Verlag überlassen wurde. Meine Meinung ist hiervon nicht beeinflusst.]
In „Anna“ beleuchtet die Autorin Amy Odell das Leben einer der bekanntesten und einflussreichsten Frauen der Modewelt: Anna Wintour. Um keine Frau der Fashionwelt ranken sich vermutlich so viele Mythen und Geschichten wie um die Frau, die stets mit einer Sonnenbrille stoisch und ruhig beobachtendend in der Front Row sitzt. Wie Anna Wintour jedoch zur Modewelt fand und schlussendlich die Leitung des einflussreichsten Modemagazins, der amerikanischen Vogue übernahm, und wie viel Wahrheit in Filmen wie „Der Teufel trägt Prada“ steckt, zeigt die Autorin in dieser vielseitigen und umfassenden Biografie.
Schreibstil und inhaltliche Gestaltung
Der Schreibstil ist informativ mit einer erzählenden Ausrichtung gehalten. Sprachlich bewegt sich das Buch im Bereich der Alltagsliteratur. Die Struktur des Buches ist chronologisch ausgerichtet, teilweise aber auch inhaltlich. Die jeweiligen haben entsprechende Überschriften und beleuchten schrittweise das Leben von Anna Wintour und die beruflichen Veränderungen. Im Mittelteil sind umfassende Fotografien enthalten.
,
Meine Meinung
Ich kann gar nicht zählen, wie oft ich den legendären Film „Der Teufel trägt Prada“ geschaut habe, damals noch als Teenager ohne wirkliche Ahnung von der Modewelt. Doch mit zunehmendem Alter interessierte ich mich immer mehr für die Hintergründe und natürlich auch die Frage: Ist der Film eine überspitzte Darstellung oder ist Anna Wintour wirklich so furchteinflößend? Über lange Zeit habe ich das Magazin gelesen und mit Dokumentationen wie „The September Issue“ und „First Monday in May“ zwar teilweise schon leichte Einblicke gewonnen, aber dieses Buch? Das ist ein ganz anderes Level!
Zunächst war ich überrascht von dem doch recht dicken Erscheinungsbild des Buches und ich kann auch bestätigen, dass man hier einige Lesestunden dran verbringen wird. Aber es hat sich gelohnt, ohne Frage. Ich habe meist 2-3 Kapitel am Stück gelesen und dann gern auch die ein oder andere Information noch durch Google vertieft. Die Biografie ist sehr umfassend, beginnend bei der kindlichen Anna, ihren ersten Schritten in der Modewelt und vor allem den familiären Hintergrund in der Verlagswelt. Es geht um große und kleine Schritte, um vermeintliche Rückschritte und gigantische Sprünge nach vorn, um gezielte Verbesserungen und ungewollte Verschlechterungen – sowohl in Annas Leben als auch in ihrer Tätigkeit. Wer hätte gedacht, wie viele Stufen Anna Wintour erklimmen musste, um da zu landen, wo sie heute ist, wie viele Stolpersteine auf dem Weg lagen – aber auch, wie viele Kontrahenten sie mit geschickten Entscheidungen und Einflüssen aus dem Weg geräumt hat. Das Buch ist biografisch erzählend und lässt so einige Wegbegleiter von Anna Wintour zu Wort kommen, nicht immer mit rein positiven Worten.
Doch der O-Ton ist relativ klar: Diese Frau hat Großes erreicht und wird von vielen geachtet, ganz egal, ob alle ihre Methoden so teilen oder gutheißen. Ich hatte unmittelbar vorher die Lektüre eines Buches über die Entstehung der Zeitschrift Vogue gelesen, wo natürlich auch Anna Wintour sehr präsent vorkam. Ich fand es nun also interessant, ergänzend und teilweise auch abweichend zu erfahren, wie bestimmte Situationen entstanden. Die Autorin konzentriert sich fast ausschließlich auf die Wirkung von Anna Wintour, geht aber auch gern darauf ein, welche kulturellen und tatsächlichen Herausforderungen die Vogue mit der Zeit meistern musste.
Für mich ist „Anna“ ein beeindruckendes Buch über eine Frau, über die viel geredet wird, die aber selbst wenig redet. Entsprechend ist das Buch hauptsächlich auf Berichte, Zeitzeugen und zugängliche Informationen gestützt, denn Anna Wintour selbst wollte nicht an dem Buch mitwirken. Vielleicht ist es aber auch gerade deshalb so umfangreich und vielseitig geworden, wodurch der Leser ein sehr umfassendes Bild von Anna Wintour erlangen kann. Ich habe mich bei der Lektüre immer wieder in dem Buch verloren, welches mit informativen Inhalten und netten Anekdoten sehr punkten kann. Die Frage, ob Anna Wintour wirklich der Teufel ist, der Prada trägt, vermag ich nach der Lektüre zwar immer noch nicht beantworten, aber an der Hochachtung für diese beeindruckende Frau hat sich bei mir nichts geändert.
Mein Fazit
Anna ist ein vielseitiges und hochinteressantes Buch über eine unzweifelhaft interessante Persönlichkeit. In dieser umfangreichen Biografie wird das Leben der Modeikone schrittweise beleuchtet und erklärt, wie sie zu dem wurde, was sie heute ist. Mit zahlreichen Anekdoten und Aussagen von Wegbegleitern ist es ein gut gelungenes Werk, wenngleich sicher an der ein oder anderen Stelle eine kritischere Auseinandersetzung noch etwas besser gewesen wär. Für Fashionistas, Glossy-Addicts und Leute, die sich gern in interessante Themen einlesen, eine absolute Kaufempfehlung!
[Diese Rezension basiert auf einem Rezensionsexemplar, das mir freundlicherweise vom Verlag überlassen wurde. Meine Meinung ist hiervon nicht beeinflusst.]
March 29, 2022
Loved.
September 22, 2022
This was a fascinating take on Anna Wintour’s life and career. The author had an impressively neutral attitude towards Anna- unlike other accounts of her which are typically negative. I appreciated getting such an intimate view of so many media and fashion icons that Anna has interacted with over the years. I knew she was powerful, but reading about her personal relationships with the Obama’s, Trump’s, Clinton’s, and so many other influential people really illustrated that. Overall, I really enjoyed this deep-dive on the fashion industry and Anna’s influence on it.
May 14, 2022
There wasn’t much new to learn from from this book. Tina Browns autobiography is more interesting and inspiring.
July 8, 2022
I’m not typically one for nonfiction or biographies, but this book was outstanding. Although there were many names and dates mentioned, I thought this book was very well-written and comprehensible that never left me bored. Anna Wintour is an incredibly captivating person that I think anyone could find something within to admire. This definitely opened my interest to other biographies and memoirs.
Read
November 9, 2022Did not finish
November 28, 2022
Although I certainly would have preferred the book to cover many hours and personal assessment of Anna Wintour herself, unfortunately, as the author stated, she had declined to participate in this biography, along with a handful of other formal interviews. You can hardly fault the author for expecting her to accomplish the impossible. I didn't know (until I read this book) that Anna has never considered herself to be much of a "celebrity" figure and never plans on publishing any memoirs/autobiographies of her own - which was disappointing, but respectable and understandable.
It's pretty clear that Anna Wintour could constantly be in the limelight and soaking up press if that's what she truly wanted. Then again, if that had been her main desire in life (or even a desire at all, really) she likely wouldn't have gotten to where she is today. Starting as Vogue's Editor-in-Chief in 1988, next year she will have run Vogue for thirty-five years .
I personally thought the book was a fantastic read and the author had a great writing style that made you keep reading without becoming bored or distracted. It was clear that she did her research, even if she wasn't able to interview Anna herself or some of the others whose opinions may have lent an even more rounded approach to this biography. She talked to a LOT of people, though, and I certainly have to commend her for her devotion and time to this project.
I feel the rating at only 3.80 (currently) is a bit low, to be honest. I haven't read the negative reviews, but I can only guess that most of them are either unhappy with the fact that she didn't personally get to interview Anna for the book, or personally don't like Anna and believe that this book was too one-sided and generous in her praises.
While it did tend to err more on the side of favorable coverage (I think it would be safe to say that Odell is a Wintour fan) - it also covered negative experiences and views on her from former friends and colleagues as well. The reason that more of the content was likely favorable is that, in my opinion, we've already heard enough of the gossipy "ice-queen" stories from disgruntled former employees. And yes, I know perhaps some of them genuinely have a reason to be disgruntled - but like Andre Leon Talley, for instance - he just sounds like an ungrateful, spoiled brat. Sorry - he doesn't "sound" like an ungrateful, spoiled brat. He is one.
If Anna Wintour was a smiling ray of sunshine who never expressed herself clearly or failed to assert herself in how she did, I think it's safe to say no one would have ever known her. People have to remember that she's not just working a regular job and making people's lives hell just because she's some type of unempathetic sadist. She's in one of the most cutthroat industries you can work in, on top of her game, and working in the most sought-after position. I personally have a ton of respect for her, and wish there were more women with her attitude. If that were the case, we would have likely solved the problem of gender inequality in the workplace by now.
If more women refused to be affable, pleasant, shrink into the shadows of their colleagues, fought for what they wanted (even if it meant offending others) - then they could achieve their dreams too. I don't feel as though Anna Wintour has had this personal goal her entire life to be some power tripping megalomaniac who enjoyed firing people or making them feel small. She simply has done what has needed to be done - been fast on her feet, quick to make decisions - something necessary for someone in her position.
While I'm sure not everyone agrees with Anna's personal stances/choices, they don't have to. However, I do think all women could take a page out of Anna's book when it comes to asserting themselves in the workplace - when it comes to attaining what it is they truly desire. I highly recommend this read for everyone. Even if you're not a fan of Vogue, of Anna, of fashion. There's really no better example of a woman with a big dream, who then went for it - and because she refused to settle, refused to take no for an answer - ultimately was able to achieve that dream.
We need to stop characterizing powerful women as tyrants - and start seeing them for the inspirations they truly are.
It's pretty clear that Anna Wintour could constantly be in the limelight and soaking up press if that's what she truly wanted. Then again, if that had been her main desire in life (or even a desire at all, really) she likely wouldn't have gotten to where she is today. Starting as Vogue's Editor-in-Chief in 1988, next year she will have run Vogue for thirty-five years .
I personally thought the book was a fantastic read and the author had a great writing style that made you keep reading without becoming bored or distracted. It was clear that she did her research, even if she wasn't able to interview Anna herself or some of the others whose opinions may have lent an even more rounded approach to this biography. She talked to a LOT of people, though, and I certainly have to commend her for her devotion and time to this project.
I feel the rating at only 3.80 (currently) is a bit low, to be honest. I haven't read the negative reviews, but I can only guess that most of them are either unhappy with the fact that she didn't personally get to interview Anna for the book, or personally don't like Anna and believe that this book was too one-sided and generous in her praises.
While it did tend to err more on the side of favorable coverage (I think it would be safe to say that Odell is a Wintour fan) - it also covered negative experiences and views on her from former friends and colleagues as well. The reason that more of the content was likely favorable is that, in my opinion, we've already heard enough of the gossipy "ice-queen" stories from disgruntled former employees. And yes, I know perhaps some of them genuinely have a reason to be disgruntled - but like Andre Leon Talley, for instance - he just sounds like an ungrateful, spoiled brat. Sorry - he doesn't "sound" like an ungrateful, spoiled brat. He is one.
If Anna Wintour was a smiling ray of sunshine who never expressed herself clearly or failed to assert herself in how she did, I think it's safe to say no one would have ever known her. People have to remember that she's not just working a regular job and making people's lives hell just because she's some type of unempathetic sadist. She's in one of the most cutthroat industries you can work in, on top of her game, and working in the most sought-after position. I personally have a ton of respect for her, and wish there were more women with her attitude. If that were the case, we would have likely solved the problem of gender inequality in the workplace by now.
If more women refused to be affable, pleasant, shrink into the shadows of their colleagues, fought for what they wanted (even if it meant offending others) - then they could achieve their dreams too. I don't feel as though Anna Wintour has had this personal goal her entire life to be some power tripping megalomaniac who enjoyed firing people or making them feel small. She simply has done what has needed to be done - been fast on her feet, quick to make decisions - something necessary for someone in her position.
While I'm sure not everyone agrees with Anna's personal stances/choices, they don't have to. However, I do think all women could take a page out of Anna's book when it comes to asserting themselves in the workplace - when it comes to attaining what it is they truly desire. I highly recommend this read for everyone. Even if you're not a fan of Vogue, of Anna, of fashion. There's really no better example of a woman with a big dream, who then went for it - and because she refused to settle, refused to take no for an answer - ultimately was able to achieve that dream.
We need to stop characterizing powerful women as tyrants - and start seeing them for the inspirations they truly are.
December 18, 2023
made me want to rewatch the devil wears prada 👠🛍️ this was dense but interesting from a publishing standpoint. i don’t pretend to understand anything about high fashion
September 27, 2022
anna wintour is an incredibly interesting figure. her life has & continues to be very influential. it was great to hear more about it through this book but I fear this biography wasn’t as great as it could have been. I don’t know if it’s the author’s writing/composition, the fairly obvious bias towards anna, or perhaps fear of her influence over publishing to really dig *deeper* but I just wanted a little more.
overall, though, it is still one of the only biographies about anna and it was still a fascinating read.
overall, though, it is still one of the only biographies about anna and it was still a fascinating read.
June 2, 2022
This book has a light, breezy conversational tone making it easy to read. Unfortunately, it just isn't that interesting. I still don't understand what all of the hype is around this woman. I've come to the conclusion that Anna Wintour is aloof and distant and so not very interesting to me as a person.
July 19, 2022
Toothless and boring.
February 2, 2023
Доста приятна биография. Обикновено биографиите ми идват твърде наситени с имена, места и събития до степен, че мозъкът ми направо блокира и тотално всичко ми става едно голямо мазало.
Авторката се е постарала да подреди информацията, която е събрала в добре организирани тематично и хронологично глави. Това ако беше документален филм, щеше да бъде разкошен. Четеше се леко и приятно и научаваш доста интересни неща за Ана Уинтър и света на модата.
Друг аспект, за който авторката наистина заслужава адмирации, че се е постарала да представи Ана Уинтър неутрално, тоест споделя негативите и позитивните и е направила всичко възможно да представи нещата в перспектива, което е чудесно. Разбира се, колкото и да се е опитала да покаже позитивите, няма как да скрие, че Уинтър е тръгнала от привилегирована среда и че като се замислиш - Ана Уинтър е талантлива в това да бъде Ана Уинтър и нищо друго.
Беше наистина интересно да прочета тази автобиография и да сравня с образа, който аз имам, изграден от "Дяволът носи Прада". Признавам си, че ми се догледа филма отново след като прочетох книгата. :)
Авторката се е постарала да подреди информацията, която е събрала в добре организирани тематично и хронологично глави. Това ако беше документален филм, щеше да бъде разкошен. Четеше се леко и приятно и научаваш доста интересни неща за Ана Уинтър и света на модата.
Друг аспект, за който авторката наистина заслужава адмирации, че се е постарала да представи Ана Уинтър неутрално, тоест споделя негативите и позитивните и е направила всичко възможно да представи нещата в перспектива, което е чудесно. Разбира се, колкото и да се е опитала да покаже позитивите, няма как да скрие, че Уинтър е тръгнала от привилегирована среда и че като се замислиш - Ана Уинтър е талантлива в това да бъде Ана Уинтър и нищо друго.
Беше наистина интересно да прочета тази автобиография и да сравня с образа, който аз имам, изграден от "Дяволът носи Прада". Признавам си, че ми се догледа филма отново след като прочетох книгата. :)
December 10, 2022
Extremely well done and thorough enough for a book that didn’t have the opportunity to actually sit down with the topic herself. I was disappointed that the more controversial parts of Anna’s story (accusations of racism, fat phobia, association with Donald Trump + Harvey Weinstein, treatment of Andre Leon Talley) were addressed but largely brushed over. The author presented the criticism and accusation fairly, but ultimately seemed to be an Anna apologist.
October 2, 2022
A comprehensive read of a complex person.
Favourite quote: “The ability to make decisions about who matters is the great source of Anna’s power, along with the ability to put people in the “out” bucket in an instant”.
Favourite quote: “The ability to make decisions about who matters is the great source of Anna’s power, along with the ability to put people in the “out” bucket in an instant”.
March 12, 2023
Think what you may about Anna Wintour - the fact remains that she is an icon.
And still a mystery, despite her position.
This book did not really make her appear less mysterious or intriguing but shed light on her way from shop assistant to editor in chief at Vogue and all her following responsibilities at Condé Nast.
Good to read for a more comprehensive understanding of all that - and also to make you dream about working in fashion in the glam days of the 80s and 90s.
However, parts of this biograohy were to dry and factual and repetitive when I wanted more juicy details and lush writing. Very journalistic if that makes sense, not my favourite biography reading-wise.
And still a mystery, despite her position.
This book did not really make her appear less mysterious or intriguing but shed light on her way from shop assistant to editor in chief at Vogue and all her following responsibilities at Condé Nast.
Good to read for a more comprehensive understanding of all that - and also to make you dream about working in fashion in the glam days of the 80s and 90s.
However, parts of this biograohy were to dry and factual and repetitive when I wanted more juicy details and lush writing. Very journalistic if that makes sense, not my favourite biography reading-wise.
October 9, 2023
Anna was a great idea for a book. The book told the story of how she began her career and how she learned how to climb up the corporate ladder and become a successful businesswoman for Vogue magazine.
July 12, 2023
A great, well-researched read. Also enjoy Amy’s TikTok’s with snippets of the book.
Anna is such an icon!
Anna is such an icon!
January 29, 2023
Worum geht’s?
In „Anna“ beleuchtet die Autorin Amy Odell das Leben einer der bekanntesten und einflussreichsten Frauen der Modewelt: Anna Wintour. Um keine Frau der Fashionwelt ranken sich vermutlich so viele Mythen und Geschichten wie um die Frau, die stets mit einer Sonnenbrille stoisch und ruhig beobachtendend in der Front Row sitzt. Wie Anna Wintour jedoch zur Modewelt fand und schlussendlich die Leitung des einflussreichsten Modemagazins, der amerikanischen Vogue übernahm, und wie viel Wahrheit in Filmen wie „Der Teufel trägt Prada“ steckt, zeigt die Autorin in dieser vielseitigen und umfassenden Biografie.
Schreibstil und inhaltliche Gestaltung
Der Schreibstil ist informativ mit einer erzählenden Ausrichtung gehalten. Sprachlich bewegt sich das Buch im Bereich der Alltagsliteratur. Die Struktur des Buches ist chronologisch ausgerichtet, teilweise aber auch inhaltlich. Die jeweiligen haben entsprechende Überschriften und beleuchten schrittweise das Leben von Anna Wintour und die beruflichen Veränderungen. Im Mittelteil sind umfassende Fotografien enthalten.
,
Meine Meinung
Ich kann gar nicht zählen, wie oft ich den legendären Film „Der Teufel trägt Prada“ geschaut habe, damals noch als Teenager ohne wirkliche Ahnung von der Modewelt. Doch mit zunehmendem Alter interessierte ich mich immer mehr für die Hintergründe und natürlich auch die Frage: Ist der Film eine überspitzte Darstellung oder ist Anna Wintour wirklich so furchteinflößend? Über lange Zeit habe ich das Magazin gelesen und mit Dokumentationen wie „The September Issue“ und „First Monday in May“ zwar teilweise schon leichte Einblicke gewonnen, aber dieses Buch? Das ist ein ganz anderes Level!
Zunächst war ich überrascht von dem doch recht dicken Erscheinungsbild des Buches und ich kann auch bestätigen, dass man hier einige Lesestunden dran verbringen wird. Aber es hat sich gelohnt, ohne Frage. Ich habe meist 2-3 Kapitel am Stück gelesen und dann gern auch die ein oder andere Information noch durch Google vertieft. Die Biografie ist sehr umfassend, beginnend bei der kindlichen Anna, ihren ersten Schritten in der Modewelt und vor allem den familiären Hintergrund in der Verlagswelt. Es geht um große und kleine Schritte, um vermeintliche Rückschritte und gigantische Sprünge nach vorn, um gezielte Verbesserungen und ungewollte Verschlechterungen – sowohl in Annas Leben als auch in ihrer Tätigkeit. Wer hätte gedacht, wie viele Stufen Anna Wintour erklimmen musste, um da zu landen, wo sie heute ist, wie viele Stolpersteine auf dem Weg lagen – aber auch, wie viele Kontrahenten sie mit geschickten Entscheidungen und Einflüssen aus dem Weg geräumt hat. Das Buch ist biografisch erzählend und lässt so einige Wegbegleiter von Anna Wintour zu Wort kommen, nicht immer mit rein positiven Worten.
Doch der O-Ton ist relativ klar: Diese Frau hat Großes erreicht und wird von vielen geachtet, ganz egal, ob alle ihre Methoden so teilen oder gutheißen. Ich hatte unmittelbar vorher die Lektüre eines Buches über die Entstehung der Zeitschrift Vogue gelesen, wo natürlich auch Anna Wintour sehr präsent vorkam. Ich fand es nun also interessant, ergänzend und teilweise auch abweichend zu erfahren, wie bestimmte Situationen entstanden. Die Autorin konzentriert sich fast ausschließlich auf die Wirkung von Anna Wintour, geht aber auch gern darauf ein, welche kulturellen und tatsächlichen Herausforderungen die Vogue mit der Zeit meistern musste.
Für mich ist „Anna“ ein beeindruckendes Buch über eine Frau, über die viel geredet wird, die aber selbst wenig redet. Entsprechend ist das Buch hauptsächlich auf Berichte, Zeitzeugen und zugängliche Informationen gestützt, denn Anna Wintour selbst wollte nicht an dem Buch mitwirken. Vielleicht ist es aber auch gerade deshalb so umfangreich und vielseitig geworden, wodurch der Leser ein sehr umfassendes Bild von Anna Wintour erlangen kann. Ich habe mich bei der Lektüre immer wieder in dem Buch verloren, welches mit informativen Inhalten und netten Anekdoten sehr punkten kann. Die Frage, ob Anna Wintour wirklich der Teufel ist, der Prada trägt, vermag ich nach der Lektüre zwar immer noch nicht beantworten, aber an der Hochachtung für diese beeindruckende Frau hat sich bei mir nichts geändert.
Mein Fazit
Anna ist ein vielseitiges und hochinteressantes Buch über eine unzweifelhaft interessante Persönlichkeit. In dieser umfangreichen Biografie wird das Leben der Modeikone schrittweise beleuchtet und erklärt, wie sie zu dem wurde, was sie heute ist. Mit zahlreichen Anekdoten und Aussagen von Wegbegleitern ist es ein gut gelungenes Werk, wenngleich sicher an der ein oder anderen Stelle eine kritischere Auseinandersetzung noch etwas besser gewesen wär. Für Fashionistas, Glossy-Addicts und Leute, die sich gern in interessante Themen einlesen, eine absolute Kaufempfehlung!
[Diese Rezension basiert auf einem Rezensionsexemplar, das mir freundlicherweise vom Verlag überlassen wurde. Meine Meinung ist hiervon nicht beeinflusst.]
In „Anna“ beleuchtet die Autorin Amy Odell das Leben einer der bekanntesten und einflussreichsten Frauen der Modewelt: Anna Wintour. Um keine Frau der Fashionwelt ranken sich vermutlich so viele Mythen und Geschichten wie um die Frau, die stets mit einer Sonnenbrille stoisch und ruhig beobachtendend in der Front Row sitzt. Wie Anna Wintour jedoch zur Modewelt fand und schlussendlich die Leitung des einflussreichsten Modemagazins, der amerikanischen Vogue übernahm, und wie viel Wahrheit in Filmen wie „Der Teufel trägt Prada“ steckt, zeigt die Autorin in dieser vielseitigen und umfassenden Biografie.
Schreibstil und inhaltliche Gestaltung
Der Schreibstil ist informativ mit einer erzählenden Ausrichtung gehalten. Sprachlich bewegt sich das Buch im Bereich der Alltagsliteratur. Die Struktur des Buches ist chronologisch ausgerichtet, teilweise aber auch inhaltlich. Die jeweiligen haben entsprechende Überschriften und beleuchten schrittweise das Leben von Anna Wintour und die beruflichen Veränderungen. Im Mittelteil sind umfassende Fotografien enthalten.
,
Meine Meinung
Ich kann gar nicht zählen, wie oft ich den legendären Film „Der Teufel trägt Prada“ geschaut habe, damals noch als Teenager ohne wirkliche Ahnung von der Modewelt. Doch mit zunehmendem Alter interessierte ich mich immer mehr für die Hintergründe und natürlich auch die Frage: Ist der Film eine überspitzte Darstellung oder ist Anna Wintour wirklich so furchteinflößend? Über lange Zeit habe ich das Magazin gelesen und mit Dokumentationen wie „The September Issue“ und „First Monday in May“ zwar teilweise schon leichte Einblicke gewonnen, aber dieses Buch? Das ist ein ganz anderes Level!
Zunächst war ich überrascht von dem doch recht dicken Erscheinungsbild des Buches und ich kann auch bestätigen, dass man hier einige Lesestunden dran verbringen wird. Aber es hat sich gelohnt, ohne Frage. Ich habe meist 2-3 Kapitel am Stück gelesen und dann gern auch die ein oder andere Information noch durch Google vertieft. Die Biografie ist sehr umfassend, beginnend bei der kindlichen Anna, ihren ersten Schritten in der Modewelt und vor allem den familiären Hintergrund in der Verlagswelt. Es geht um große und kleine Schritte, um vermeintliche Rückschritte und gigantische Sprünge nach vorn, um gezielte Verbesserungen und ungewollte Verschlechterungen – sowohl in Annas Leben als auch in ihrer Tätigkeit. Wer hätte gedacht, wie viele Stufen Anna Wintour erklimmen musste, um da zu landen, wo sie heute ist, wie viele Stolpersteine auf dem Weg lagen – aber auch, wie viele Kontrahenten sie mit geschickten Entscheidungen und Einflüssen aus dem Weg geräumt hat. Das Buch ist biografisch erzählend und lässt so einige Wegbegleiter von Anna Wintour zu Wort kommen, nicht immer mit rein positiven Worten.
Doch der O-Ton ist relativ klar: Diese Frau hat Großes erreicht und wird von vielen geachtet, ganz egal, ob alle ihre Methoden so teilen oder gutheißen. Ich hatte unmittelbar vorher die Lektüre eines Buches über die Entstehung der Zeitschrift Vogue gelesen, wo natürlich auch Anna Wintour sehr präsent vorkam. Ich fand es nun also interessant, ergänzend und teilweise auch abweichend zu erfahren, wie bestimmte Situationen entstanden. Die Autorin konzentriert sich fast ausschließlich auf die Wirkung von Anna Wintour, geht aber auch gern darauf ein, welche kulturellen und tatsächlichen Herausforderungen die Vogue mit der Zeit meistern musste.
Für mich ist „Anna“ ein beeindruckendes Buch über eine Frau, über die viel geredet wird, die aber selbst wenig redet. Entsprechend ist das Buch hauptsächlich auf Berichte, Zeitzeugen und zugängliche Informationen gestützt, denn Anna Wintour selbst wollte nicht an dem Buch mitwirken. Vielleicht ist es aber auch gerade deshalb so umfangreich und vielseitig geworden, wodurch der Leser ein sehr umfassendes Bild von Anna Wintour erlangen kann. Ich habe mich bei der Lektüre immer wieder in dem Buch verloren, welches mit informativen Inhalten und netten Anekdoten sehr punkten kann. Die Frage, ob Anna Wintour wirklich der Teufel ist, der Prada trägt, vermag ich nach der Lektüre zwar immer noch nicht beantworten, aber an der Hochachtung für diese beeindruckende Frau hat sich bei mir nichts geändert.
Mein Fazit
Anna ist ein vielseitiges und hochinteressantes Buch über eine unzweifelhaft interessante Persönlichkeit. In dieser umfangreichen Biografie wird das Leben der Modeikone schrittweise beleuchtet und erklärt, wie sie zu dem wurde, was sie heute ist. Mit zahlreichen Anekdoten und Aussagen von Wegbegleitern ist es ein gut gelungenes Werk, wenngleich sicher an der ein oder anderen Stelle eine kritischere Auseinandersetzung noch etwas besser gewesen wär. Für Fashionistas, Glossy-Addicts und Leute, die sich gern in interessante Themen einlesen, eine absolute Kaufempfehlung!
[Diese Rezension basiert auf einem Rezensionsexemplar, das mir freundlicherweise vom Verlag überlassen wurde. Meine Meinung ist hiervon nicht beeinflusst.]
June 7, 2022
A great start-to-finish biography of an icon. While it does touch on vogues evolution along with Anna, this is a book about Anna Wintour, if you’re looking for a book about vogue, the fashion magazine industry, the met gala etc, this may not do it for you. I enjoyed it very much.
August 16, 2023
I don't know how legitimate this book is but that did not stop be devouring it! Made me feel like I was in a real life Devil Wears Prada (which is exactly what I believe it was meant to do). Personally I always look up to women in power and too see such a powerful women unashamedly girl bossing, in an industry like fashion, and making a mockery of the men. Love it.
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