After more than five years at the helm of Architectural Digest, MargaretRussell will be replaced by former Teen Vogue editor in chief Amy Astley, who is said to be a protégée of Anna Wintour, Condé Nast artistic director and Vogue editor in chief. Russell will remain at AD through the transition, and then is said to begin consulting on special projects for Condé Nast.
AD's new editor in chief, Amy Astley
AD’s new editorial leadership, which includes three editors from Teen Vogue, will be charged with expanding the brand’s digital presence, and working with AD's Publisher Giulio Capua on buisness innovations and brand extensions including product lines, according to parent company Condé Nast.
Wintour said in a statement: “Amy’s leadership and creativity can be seen in the success of Teen Vogue, which she has built into the influential source of emerging fashion, beauty and culture for young women everywhere. Amy also has spent a great deal of her career immersed in art and design, including five years at House & Garden, where she also served as the de facto personal interior stylist for Alexander Liberman, which has given her a deep knowledge and lifelong passion for design that will lift Architectural Digest to new heights.”
Astley graduated from Michigan State University, class of 1989, with a degree in English. She lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.
Rumors of a change had been circulating since an article in WWD suggested Wintour’s displeasure with AD’s March 2016 cover featuring the Kardashians.