New Vogue editor Chloe Malle's awkward moment with Anna Wintour reveals so much about Millennial vs. Boomer work dynamics: 'This is why boomers don't retire'

JR Atkinson • Writer and Editor

Feb 11, 2026 10:00 PM EST

Millennials are in charge now. What does that look like?

If you're part of a younger generation, you're probably aware of a lot of discussion about the ways Baby Boomers have failed us. You've heard about how they haven't set us up for success financially, refuse to retire, and generally set expectations that are impossible to meet in this day and age. The nature of work is changing all the time, but it has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. We've gone from an age of illusion to an age of disillusion. We're more informed than ever, and we know the ways the workplace can take advantage of us when we let it. The proliferation of subreddits like r/antiwork makes us more skeptical of the way we're treated at the office. The new Editor of Vogue, Chloe Malle, who is poised as Anna Wintour's successor, represents that younger generation.

We think of Vogue as one of the last bastions of old media. It's a magazine from a magazine-forward time. One that we decidedly do not live in anymore. We've been in a staunchly digital world for over a decade now, and it has taken some legacy institutions a while to catch up to that change. But Malle, the 40-year-old editor, seems to understand that. When asked a question about what she would do if Vogue had as much of a budget as it did in the 90s, she gave a very millennial answer, one that focused on wages and digital reach.

Wintour seemed to stiffen at her young protege's answer, spinning it in a more positive direction. The responses online were varied. Some saw Malle as exactly what Vogue needs- a young voice who is focused on the right things. Others took Wintour's side, embracing her legacy approach. However you saw it, you can admit that it spoke volumes about how each generation is approaching the workplace. While Boomers tend to cling to old traditions, Millennials are more willing to shake it up. We're yet to see what Malle's tenure will bring to Vogue; some critics wondered if she'd even last long enough to make an impact.
via amandalitman
via amandalitman
via ContrarianSaver
via SoniaBaschez
via shwesharan
via felixmelz
via baronessvonbli
via friendlyblkhoty
via BCat415
via benryanwriter
via nataliadal_
via oldhag00
via peterwayner
via moorehn
via felipemnzp
via beyzanurapaydin
via OgLakyn
via Craicthewhip_