The Press Box The Press Box

Mark Guiducci Grew Up Reading Vanity Fair. Now, He's Running the Place.

Jul 30, 2026 · 56m

Summary

Brian Curtis interviews Mark Guaducci, Vanity Fair’s global editorial director, about his journey from a teenage fan to leading the magazine. Guaducci discusses updating the brand for the digital age, emphasizing original reporting and profitability over clickbait. He details recent initiatives like the New Establishment list, the Susie Wiles profile, and revamping the Oscar party. Guaducci also shares his vision for maintaining Vanity Fair’s prestige while adapting to modern media consumption.

Topics discussed

Tremphaya prescription drug advertisement Chevrolet vehicle advertisement Introduction of Mark Guaducci and his background Early career at Christie's and joining Vanity Fair Working under Chris Garrett and moving to Vogue NOS Energy and Boris Head advertisements Wellness coaching advertisement Editorial philosophy and Anna Wintour's influence Returning to Vogue and defining the modern magazine The process of getting the Vanity Fair director role First day priorities and rejecting the 'platform' label The importance of in-person reporting and networking Business strategy and cost-cutting measures Defining the modern identity and audience of Vanity Fair The New Establishment and the new gilded age The Melania Trump cover and Chris Whipple's reporting The Olivia Pope cover and celebrity profile challenges Collecting old issues and the evolution of celebrity interviews The Hollywood issue and the sports issue concepts The LACMA Oscar party and the new venue Engaging young audiences and the value of originality The New Establishment list and print vs. digital Historical covers and the 250th anniversary project Graydon Carter's legacy and the Obama cover Guest editors and iconic cover concepts The Caitlyn Jenner cover and newsstand sales Internal culture and closing remarks Searchlight Pictures Super Troopers 3 advertisement
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