Wintour played it down, but the pandemic is a big deal for Condé Nast

Will the luxuriant business of luxury fashion magazines survive the post-virus economy?

Anna Wintour's leadership style is being challenged by the situation in Paris. AP

Ben Smith

Apr 29, 2020 – 11.12am

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The coronavirus chased the fashion industry across Europe in February, from fashion week in Milan to fashion week in Paris, where designers handed out masks and some nervous fashion editors left early.

On Saturday the 29th, the team from InStyle magazine, owned by Meredith Corp, decided it was too dangerous to stay. The same day, Anna Wintour convened Condé Nast’s fashion staff in a makeshift conference room at the Paris Vogue headquarters.