In addition to its role as a media outlet, Vogue, as a leader in the fashion industry, is instilled in its DNA to contribute to society and take action. Its history goes back to World War I, when it hosted a charity fashion show to revitalize the fashion world.
After the Lehman Shock, Condé Nast International Chairman Jonathan Newhouse and US Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour convened Vogue editors from around the world to Paris Fashion Week. This was the first time in Vogue's long history that editors-in-chief from around the world had gathered together for a meeting. The theme was "What should be done to revitalize the sluggish fashion industry following the Lehman Shock?" Ultimately, it was decided to hold "Fashion's Night Out" (FNO), as proposed by Anna Wintour, in each country publishing Vogue at roughly the same time.
In 2011, just three years after the Lehman Shock, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred in Japan. Upon learning of the damage to the Japanese economy, Vogue editors from around the world gathered in Tokyo to promote "FNO." The event was even covered by television news programs. "If the economic crisis hadn't occurred, FNO might not have existed. This may have been the moment when a new era for Vogue began. I'm glad I was able to serve as editor-in-chief during such an era," said Watanabe. Anna Wintour founded the Vogue Foundation and supports emerging designers at the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America). In 2012, she launched "The Health Initiative," which includes banning models under the age of 16 and those with eating disorders. Vogues around the world simultaneously announced and promoted this initiative in their magazines and online. In December 2013, Condé Nast Japan held a media conference and announced a "multi-platform" concept that integrates print (magazine), web, apps, social media, video, events, a cafe (at the National Art Center, Tokyo), and collaborations with other industries (including e-commerce) to meet the diverse needs of readers. Editor-in-Chief Watanabe says that this will allow editors to have some kind of connection with all platforms, enriching and expanding their work. In 2013, the Vogue editorial department already had print and web editors sitting side-by-side, sharing information, and the editors creating content for all platforms. As a result, the editor-in-chief's responsibilities have expanded, and he is now responsible for all creations that bear the name VOGUE. This includes not only the magazine and web, but also events, apps, products, and everything new that comes from collaborations with other industries. "VOGUE is a magazine that combines Vogue-like values and quality. Based on that, we aim to lead other magazines in integration as well. Our advertising sales have also shifted to a multi-platform approach," said Editor-in-Chief Watanabe.
"Condé Nast Japan has become a multimedia company that has gone beyond the realm of a publishing company and is building a new era," concluded President Kitada.
Continued on 7/12. Next up is Numero Tokyo.
