LONDON — When I first heard about fashion critic Cathy Horyn leaving The New York Times, I just new the next viable person in line was the prolific international fashion critic Suzy Menkes. After all, for more than 25 years the British style editor has reigned as fashion authority at the Paris-based newspaper International Herald Tribune, which was rebranded as the International New York Times just last October. But as of my latest sleuthing, I’ve discovered that this is not the case. In fact, it’s been announced that Menkes is resigning her post at the Times and has accepted a new gig as International Vogue Editor at Condé Nast International. This marks the third high-profile fashion person to leave the Times. First, former fashion reporter Eric Wilson in October and then Cathy Horyn in January.
According to a statement from Condé Nast International chairman and chief executive Jonathan Newhouse, Menkes’ new role will entail her having a “permanent presence” on Vogue websites including Britain, France, Italy, China, Russia, Japan, Germany and Spain.
“I am thrilled to become International Vogue Editor at Condé Nast International, which has a real commitment to journalistic excellence, and to have the opportunity to write for a wider global audience through the Vogue websites,” Menkes said in a statement. “I am grateful to have spent 25 years at the International Herald Tribune – a newspaper where I had unstinting support in being able to express myself freely and honestly. I feel this is the perfect time to embrace a new challenge in the digital age.”
It’s so clear we are embarking on a new era in fashion media and I’m excited to see how it evolves. A few years ago I had the honor of meeting and interviewing Ms. Menkes during her visit to the Academy of Art University and later pose with her in a picture during the opening of Jean Paul Gaultier‘s The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk exhibition at de Young Museum in San Francisco. I’ve always enjoyed reading the sartorial witticism of Menkes and am intrigued to see how she transitions into her new role at Condé Nast.
Chicly Yours,
