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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