Fresh Air The Dominance & Decline Of The Condé Nast Magazine Empire
Jul 17, 2025
Michael Grynbaum, a New York Times correspondent and author of "Empire of the Elite," delves into the rise and fall of the Condé Nast magazine empire. He highlights the transformative shift at Vogue with Anna Wintour's departure amid digital changes. Grynbaum also discusses Condé Nast's pivotal role in shaping Donald Trump's image and how modern fashion events reflect current media tensions. Additionally, he shares insights into The New Yorker’s impressive financial turnaround and offers a nostalgic glimpse into his early passion for journalism.
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Condé Nast's Cultural Influence Declined
- Condé Nast magazines shaped cultural tastes by defining fashion, luxury, and celebrity for decades.
- Social media and shifting finances eroded their influence, challenging their starring tastemaker role.
Newhouse Boosted Trump’s Fame
- Cy Newhouse helped launch Donald Trump's celebrity rise with a 1984 GQ profile and by publishing his book The Art of the Deal.
- Newhouse personally pitched Trump the idea with a mock-up book, paying $500,000 to make it a bestseller.
Vanity Fair Oscar Party's Rise
- Graydon Carter used charm and celebrity to transform Vanity Fair's Oscar party into Hollywood's headline event.
- The party grew into a glamorous spectacle mixing stars, media figures, and extravagant touches symbolizing ultimate status.
