Last year we reported that Condé Nast was making some serious changes including dropping Lucky and WWD, and bringing Style.com under their umbrella. It’s been months since their last headline-grabbing fashion news, but yesterday they announced another move that’s been leaving people shocked, more than a little bummed and even left some high-profile names looking for a new job. Style.com joined with Vogue in November of last year, but now it looks like the site will practically cease to exist in any editorial capacity. Known for their runway coverage and of-the-moment news (that even industry insiders often turn to) the site will become an e-commerce destination for Vogue come fall and the new VogueRunway.com will absorb their editorial.
Of course this doesn’t mean it will be similar to the site that we’ve known and loved over the years. Their major editors, including Deputy Editor Noah Johnson and popular Fashion Market Director Rachael Wang, have both left the company as of Monday morning. Layoffs will continue to happen as the transition takes place, and while no one is sure of the total numbers, WWD reports that there will only be “about five,” though insiders estimate the number will be much higher.
Condé Nast says that the new e-commerce site will operate as a standalone unit, though we can’t imagine Anna Wintour not having at least one finger in the pie. This is Condé Nast’s opportunity to not only shutter what was basically seen as a competitor to Vogue, but to also secure a spot in the recent e-commerce boom. Likely they will work to knock Net-A-Porter from their reign, as the luxury giant has not only online offerings, but a magazine to supplement the experience. As Style.com fans we’re not thrilled about Vogue’s takeover, but we’ll have to see how it all unfolds before we make any judgment calls.
