Grace Mirabella, the renowned editor-in-chief of Vogue and founder of Mirabella magazine, has sadly passed away at the age of 91 in her Manhattan home. From 1971 to 1988, Mirabella occupied the prestigious position of editor-in-chief at Vogue until she passed the baton to Anna Wintour. Her journey with the esteemed magazine began as an assistant in the merchandising department and she eventually transitioned to the editorial staff, working closely with fashion icon Diana Vreeland before assuming her role as editor-in-chief.
After her tenure at Vogue, Mirabella took a bold step and launched her own women’s magazine called Mirabella. The magazine continued its publication until 2000, providing readers with a fresh perspective on fashion and women’s issues. Born and raised in Maplewood, New Jersey, Mirabella graduated from Skidmore College with a major in economics. Prior to entering the publishing industry, she garnered valuable fashion experience through positions at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.
During her time as editor-in-chief at Vogue, Mirabella left an indelible mark by promoting a practical tone and embracing the inclusion of working women. According to the New York Times, under her leadership, Vogue’s circulation skyrocketed from 400,000 in 1971 to over 1.2 million in 1988. Her incredible impact on the magazine stems from her ability to navigate a period of profound societal change, where women’s progress and rights were at the forefront.
Following Mirabella’s passing, Anna Wintour, the current editor-in-chief of Vogue, paid a heartfelt tribute to her predecessor. Wintour acknowledged the pivotal role Mirabella played in guiding Vogue through a momentous era in American history, during which women experienced emancipation, sexual freedom, and the achievement of vital rights. Wintour admired Mirabella’s minimalist style and applauded her relentless support of American designers such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Geoffrey Beene.
Grace Mirabella’s legacy as a trailblazer in the fashion industry will continue to live on. Her contributions to Vogue and her ability to resonate with readers and revolutionize the magazine’s perspective will forever be remembered. Mirabella is survived by her stepsons, Anthony and Christopher Cahan, as well as seven step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Grace Mirabella and her impact on the fashion industry, visit these links: Vogue – Grace Mirabella Profile and Business of Fashion – Grace Mirabella Fashion Editor Pioneer.
