Vogue, regarded as the world’s fashion bible, has faced significant operational changes since editor-in-chief Anna Wintour closed the iconic Vogue House in Hanover Square two years ago. The closure has led the publisher Condé Nast to rent a co-working space near Waterloo station, which has not been well received by staff. Insiders report that employees are dissatisfied with their new work environment, which features hastily printed Vogue covers in an attempt to evoke the former ambience of Vogue House.
Wintour, 75, reportedly made the decision to rent the Waterloo office after discovering an alarming lack of personnel at the main office during her visit in December. Shortly thereafter, employees were informed that they were expected to return to the office at least four days a week as part of an initiative to enhance productivity. This directive was implemented despite the challenges it presented. Upon returning to the new headquarters located in Adelphi on The Strand, employees discovered inadequate desk space to accommodate the returning workforce. This shortfall has necessitated the acquisition of additional office space at a substantial cost to Condé Nast, fuelling further discontent among staff in light of recent redundancies within the company.
The move has been described by sources as a stark contrast to the glamour associated with Vogue House. One employee expressed the sentiment, stating, “It couldn’t be less like the Vogue House glory days in Hanover Square.” The attempt to re-create a sense of home in the new co-working space has been met with derision, as staff noted the superficial measures taken, such as paper posters of Vogue covers decoratively placed on the walls. The sentiment among the employees reflects a nostalgia for the once-glamorous life at Vogue House, now perceived as a significant decline in the company’s status.
In other news, a personal milestone was celebrated by Lord Darzi as his daughter, Nina Darzi, 29, announced her engagement to Benjamin Cleary, 34. Cleary, a former director at the Mayfair-based jewellery specialist Armour-Winston, has been part of the social scene, gaining attention alongside Nina, who is an alumna of the prestigious fashion school Istituto Marangoni. Public excitement around the engagement was illustrated on social media by Nina’s sister, Martha, who shared an image highlighting the engagement ring and expressed her joy for Nina, who is set to wed in spring next year.
Additionally, broadcaster Zeinab Badawi has made headlines by recently marrying cattle farmer Bertie Facon in a ceremony at the Royal Opera House. This celebration featured a notable guestlist, including figures such as former Channel 4 news anchor Jon Snow and model Naomi Campbell, reflecting the couple's prominence in social circles.
In a different realm of public interest, Lexi Jones, daughter of the late rock icon David Bowie, is navigating her artistic journey amid newfound scrutiny following the release of her debut album. The 24-year-old has voiced her struggles with perceptions tied to her lineage through a poem shared on social media, expressing feelings of inadequacy stemming from comparisons to her father’s legendary status.
Shifting attention to the political sphere, Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Opposition, has been noted for finding brief moments of respite from a hectic schedule through the video game The Sims, which allows players to create and manage virtual lives.
Lastly, Angela Kelly, who served as the late Queen’s dresser for nearly three decades, has recently shared her experience trying Japanese pink gin, referencing the Queen's well-known fondness for gin martinis. Kelly's remarks suggest a festive spirit as she prepares for future summer events.
Source: Noah Wire Services