Anna Wintour reveals reason behind wearing her 'prop' sunglasses even indoors

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Anna Wintour, the iconic Vogue Editor-in-Chief, has long sparked curiosity with the question, "Why does she always wear glasses?"

Famously believed to inspire the icy Miranda Priestly in 'The Devil Wears Prada,' Wintour recently shared the answer during a rare interview with BBC Breakfast’s Katie Razzall.

Anna Wintour finally reveals truth about her iconic sunglasses

Pressed about her ever-present sunglasses, Anna Wintour offered a rare glimpse into their purpose.

“They help me see and they help me not see. They help me be seen and not be seen. They are a prop, I would say.” This duality perhaps mirrors her approach to leadership—keenly observant yet unbothered by the distractions around her.

“I don’t really think about it," adding, “What I’m really interested in is the creative aspect of my job.”

On the other hand, while rumors of her retirement have swirled for years, Wintour shut them down with characteristic poise.

When asked about her future at Vogue, she stated simply, “I only think of today, not tomorrow.” After more than four decades in the industry, Wintour’s influence shows no signs of waning.

When asked if her staff finds her intimidating, Wintour appeared unfazed and even slightly amused. “I hope not,” she replied, before dispelling one of the most enduring myths about her: the idea that no one dares to say "no" to Anna Wintour.

“That is absolutely untrue. They often say no, but that’s a good thing. No is a wonderful word.”

Anna Wintour opens up about her decades-long Vogue reign

Reflecting on her career in Disney+’s 'In Vogue: The 90s,' Anna Wintour recalled her audacious decision to feature Madonna on the cover of Vogue in the late ’80s.

Before moving to Vogue in 1981, Wintour previously worked at Harper's Bazaar in America and Harpers & Queen in London.

“Conde Nast [appointed me] because it was time for change. Under the previous leadership, every cover of Vogue looked all the same [...] sometimes you just need to tear everything up and start over, ” she said, describing her push for change when she first took over the magazine.

The 'The Devil Wears Prada' musical debuted on London’s West End last weekend, reigniting interest in Wintour’s supposed connection to the iconic Miranda Priestly character.

Though fans of the film have long assumed that Streep’s character was based on Wintour, actress Emily Blunt debunked the theory in a 2018, NPR's Terry Gross on 'Fresh Air' interview, stating, “Meryl didn’t actually base it on Anna Wintour.

"She told Anna that. She based it on two men in Hollywood that she knew, who will remain nameless but I know who they are," Blunt said. 

Despite this clarification, Wintour has embraced the association with characteristic grace, even attending the musical’s premiere alongside her close friend Elton John, who performed at the event.

The star-studded evening also welcomed Elizabeth Hurley and Vanessa Williams, who plays the fictional editor in the musical adaptation.