Anna Wintour, Behind The Shades

60 Minutes' Morley Safer Interviews Vogue's Editor In Her First Lengthy U.S. TV Profile

(CBS)  Arnault, who owns Dior, is the chairman of LVMH, the largest luxury conglomerate in the world. When Wintour recommended to the richest man in France that he hire Galliano, it was implicit that Vogue would feature Galliano's designs.

"When I hired John, I discussed at length with her obviously at the time it was a risk, because he was not as well-known as he is today. But I was comforted by Anna about what he could do and finally I took the risk," Arnault recalled.

"That gives you a remarkable kind of power. Much more power than any mere editor-in-chief of a magazine normally has," Safer remarked.

"Well, we can advise, Morley. We can't dictate. And obviously, in the end, those gentlemen are very capable of making up their own minds," Wintour replied.

"But they have the remarkable habit of going along with your ideas," Safer said.

"Well, we can only point them in that direction," she replied.

She does even more: she helps choose the next generation of designers, like Alexander Wang.

It's a mutually beneficial relationship, giving Vogue an inside track on the next hot designer.

"And how much is that one, Alexander?" Wintour asked, inspecting a dress on a model.

"This one retails for $1,200," Wang replied.

"It's very reasonable," Wintour remarked.

Reasonable? Perhaps if you happen to have a $200,000 clothing allowance.

But for sheer glitz, nothing beats the soiree at New York's Metropolitan Museum. Every year Anna organizes a benefit which so far has raised nearly $50 million for the museum's costume institute. When Anna calls, the fashion houses are only too eager to cough up as much as $250,000 a table.

This year there's a certain nervous splendor to this recession procession; nevertheless the want-to-be seen show up in hordes. On that night, the rag trade rules - a night to flaunt it, whatever it is.

Anna is in total control, despite the rumors that in these really thin economic times, and after 20 years on the throne, her days may be numbered

"Are you thinking that it may soon be time to pack it all in?" Safer asked.

"Not at all. To me this is a really interesting time to be in this position and I think it would be in a way irresponsible not to put my best foot forward and lead us into a different time," she replied.

"Do you see, out there, in these outer offices, some young upstart quietly taking the measure of this office?" Safer asked.

"Probably several," Wintour said.

Asked if she'd go quietly when the time comes, Wintour told Safer, "Certainly. Very quietly."

[hawkeyes11a]

A warning should of been posted before this segment " SMUG ALEART " You have some 60 year old Woman that scares the Bejesus out of young women that work for her,gay fashion designers and comes across as being puckered on both ends. Who anoints these people to these pompously conceited positions that they lord over everyone who has the misfortune to have to deal with them?

[joaniekarencox]

Ice Ice Baby, Anna Wintour is a frosty treat in The September Issue...http://southflorida.metromix.com/style/article/glamazon-the-wintour-of/1435490/content

[Taureau77]

Very disappointing journalism. Again the same sad, old clichés are rolled out. Seems more like he is pandering to middle America's dismissal of the fashion industry. Is this supposed to be quality journalist? Has he opened our eyes any more or brought any new insight into this topic. I don't think so. The reporter has stamped his snide and condescending opinion all over this report. What ever happened to objective journalism? Even if you have your own opinions on certain types of clothing, people and events, including them in your report is totally irrelevant and points the viewer in a certain direction. Stick to the facts, his view has not contributed anything to opening our eyes to the inside world of fashion and has not increased our understanding of this billion-dollar industry, in the end. If the reporter is so ready to dismiss this world before the eyes of the world why bother reporting on it in the first place then? In the end nobody has learnt from this report, we have only managed to be exposed to this journalist's own sad bias and prejudice.

[davidcc472]

Great job Morley, it was a very insightful story that keeps 60 Minutes being the show that I grew up watching, not all glooom and economic bloom. Morley Safer puts together with his producers a story that perks up your curiousity. When your age lets see what your contributing to the world... he's the bomb! Still.

David

[barbararkerr]

I have admired Morley Safer's work for many years. However, it was deeply disappointing to watch his story on Anna Wintour which was dismissive both of her work and, it seemed, fashion today. And it was ironic that a discerning man who enjoys and appreciates various styles of art didn't extend the same sensibilities to fashion. Just as individuals may be moved or inspired by different kinds of arts (or not), the same is true regarding fashion. An admirer of Ralph Lauren or Valentino may not be enthusiastic about the work of Marc Jacobs. And, echoing sentiments expressed by others, I found myself wondering if an interview with a male executive of the same passions and temperament -- namely, a relentless pursuit of excellence -- would have been treated in the same manner.

[cliffps]

Fun interview, great to have a peek behind the scenes. I just can't believe this woman is 59 years old, she looks so much younger! And yes, so she has it all, where's the problem here? Let her be, people need to find something better to do than criticize successful, attractive women. Just watch the show, enjoy the behind-the-scenes angle and get on with your life - Cliff in Palm Springs (still not believeing she's 59, lol).

Morley Safer - the next time you're interviewing the CEO of Microsoft, GM, Chrysler, Citi, GE, etc. etc please remember to ask them about how "mean" they are. Your interview was ridiculous for 2009 with a female executive. Shame on CBS for continuing to propagate the "*****" accusation to women in power.

[myanna555]

Guys, check the spelling in your article. What a shame for CBS news. Absolute shame.

[Judy202]

You've got to be kidding me with this segment. She's newsworthy? A full-of-herself fashion editor who things the world revolves around her? To glorify this type of excess during this economy (or any time, really) is ridiculous. Is she proud of the fact that she's a b*tch, sitting there with that smirk on her face? There are so many other people out there worthy of being on your show...but she's not one of them. Telling Oprah to lose weight? Saying people in Minnesota are the size of small houses? Get the hair our of your face and get real. PLEASE stop making this ego-maniacal self-important fear-inducing woman any more important than she is (or isn't).

[ViewingNan]

When did we fall back to calling females over 13 "girls." Morley Safer, who certainly should know better, stated that Anna Wintour's office is filled with girls. I did not see one female under 13 anywhere. Shame on you, Morley. Women have fought hard for respect, advancement and fair treatment. Now, please give it to us. Thank you.

Nancy