Toxic Behaviors

I’ve always loved fashion—and always will. You don’t have to be a fashionista to know that Anna Wintour, the embodiment of the ultimate Fashion Guru, has found her successor, Chloe Malle, for the role she has held at US Vogue since 1988.

Her achievements are legendary. She broke ground with street-style covers and featured celebrities like Madonna in 1989. Trend forecasting, curation, and championing new designers define her genius. She leveraged her network and business acumen to make Vogue the powerhouse it is today. With vision and decisiveness, she drove excellence in a fast-paced, now digitalized world. She also proved that age is no barrier in a fiercely competitive industry like fashion.

Yet, it’s impossible to think of Anna Wintour without recalling The Devil Wears Prada. Written by a former assistant, it portrayed her as an almost tyrannical boss, an example of someone who succeeds in spite of her leadership style, not because of it.

Highly detail-oriented, with sky-high expectations, Wintour is the product of her generation. Born and educated in the UK, her drive for excellence came wrapped in an autocratic style. Her leadership included micromanagement, emotional distance, and high-pressure environments.

Would she have been just as successful, or even more so, if she had been approachable, compassionate, and motivating? Absolutely. Excellence doesn’t require fear.

The leaders I coach discover they can drive results and create teams that feel supported. The Devil Wears Prada is not a blueprint; it’s a cautionary tale. With the sequel coming in 2026, the conversation about leadership in fashion and how to lead without toxicity is far from over.

Contact me to keep this conversation going.