Legendary Editor in Chief Linda Wells Out at Allure
In a move that is sending shockwaves through the media and beauty worlds, Allure’s Editor in Chief Linda Wells has been let go from the post she has held since 1991. According to Women’s Wear Daily, Wells is being replaced by former Editor in Chief and Chief Marketing Officer of Nylon Media Michelle Lee. Considering Wells launched the magazine and has become synonymous with the brand, the move is a surprise. Fashionista is reporting that Wells will be transitioning into an advisory role within Condé Nast.
The idea for Allure was hatched in 1990 when Wells was the New York Times Magazine Beauty Editor, and was approached by Advance Publications Chairman S.I. Newhouse. “They just had kind of a vague idea — let’s start a beauty magazine — and that was it,” Wells told Business of Fashion. “There was no angle to it, there was no mission, there were no marketing focus groups and it didn’t have a name. I didn’t have a budget. It was kind of crazy how old-fashioned it was. People don’t do magazines like that anymore.”
Today Condé Nast president Bob Sauerberg said in a statement: “When Linda Wells launched Allure, it broke new ground and redefined the beauty category, and she leaves us with that rich heritage to build upon. Today we begin a new phase of innovation for the brand, with Michelle paving the way for the next wave of consumers who crave interactive beauty content that’s both inspiring and approachable."
It’s the end of an era in the beauty world and the industry is speaking out. “Linda Wells is a pioneer who created this bible of beauty with compelling photographs, explicit how-tos, and cutting-edge diet, fitness and beauty news,” says Yahoo Beauty’s Editor in Chief Bobbi Brown. "Linda was the first one to really report about beauty. She approached the beauty industry with a reporter’s eye and that made the magazine stand out. There will never be anyone as talented as Linda.”
“Linda Wells gave a platform to the beauty industry that didn’t exist before she became editor in chief at Allure,” legendary hairstylist and Allure collaborator Serge Normant tells Yahoo Beauty. “Her elegance and remarkable level of taste created some of my favorite shoots in my career and allowed all of us to work with the most amazing teams! I am forever grateful for all the opportunities! I can’t wait to see what she will do next as I know it will be as fabulous!”
Related:
Celebs Go Nude For The May Issue Of Allure
Allure Cover Star Elizabeth Banks Talks Female Swagger
The Best And Worst Makeup Moments In History According To Lisa Eldridge
