Who Is Margaret Zhang? Vogue's Youngest-Ever Editor To Step Down

Margaret Zhang, the trailblazing Australian Chinese creative director, is bidding farewell to her role as editorial director of Vogue China, marking the end of a transformative journey that began three years ago when she became the youngest editor at Vogue. On Monday, Zhang announced her departure to Instagram, signalling a new chapter in her illustrious career. "As we kick off a transformative Year of the Dragon, I’m excited to announce that I have decided to wrap up with Vogue and jump into the next chapter of my career," she shared with her followers.

Zhang's Journey

Zhang's rise to prominence began as a teenage fashion blogger in Sydney, where she captured the attention of millions with her unique style and creative vision. By her early twenties, she had amassed a following of over 1 million on Instagram and had already made a name for herself in New York as a creative director and brand consultant.

Her appointment as editorial director of Vogue China in 2021, at the age of 27, was met with both admiration and scepticism. Critics questioned her youth, Australian upbringing, and digital media background, casting doubt on her ability to helm such a prestigious publication.

Throughout her tenure, Zhang faced scrutiny, with some Chinese media executives publicly criticizing her for being "too Western." However, in her exit letter posted on Instagram and X, Zhang highlighted her proudest achievement: showcasing Chinese creativity on a global scale. "Never before have we seen so much Chinese creativity showcased across the global network of Vogue editions," she wrote, reflecting on her contributions to the publication.

Zhang's departure amidst broader reshuffles within Vogue and its parent company, Condé Nast. In the UK, Edward Enninful recently released his final issue as British Vogue's editor-in-chief, with his successor, Chioma Nnadi, assuming the head of editorial content title. Similarly, in the US, Condé Nast announced the closure of music title Pitchfork in January, sparking a 24-hour walkout strike by over 400 unionized staff members protesting management's labour negotiations.

As Margaret Zhang bids farewell to Vogue China, the fashion industry watches eagerly to see where her talents and vision will lead her next.