It has been reported that after 11 years at Vogue, senior accessories editor Filipa Fino parted ways with the magazine. Although no details were given as to the reason for her departure, a spokeswoman revealed that she is no longer with the company. When asked for a possible replacement, Condé Nast declined to elaborate with any further statements.
With such a strong voice departing from the pages of Vogue, the direction of one of, if not the most important American fashion publications is subject to change dramatically depending on who is chosen to replace Fino. For more than a decade, under the watchful eye of Anna Wintour, Filipa Fino was able to orchestrate the cohesion of accessories with the trends and zeitgeist of the times. She understood how to deliver what the american market was waiting for, whether it was the ‘it bag’ of the season, or the next must have shoe, Fino never failed to impress with her chic sensibilities that the editorial pages of Vogue required. recreating her vision may be the direction the publication will opt for, hiring someone with similar understanding and views of fashion. With the opportunity for such a coveted position now open, the reality of the situation is that it can go any which way and the direction that accessories are presented to us will ultimately be altered in the very near future.
Speculations are circulating around the industry that Finos departure may have been tied to ‘inappropriate behavior on her part’ possibly with unprofessional use of company expenses and the elusive Vogue fashion closet. WWD posted an article claiming close sources within Condé Nast hinted this to be the case, but quickly after the article was mysteriously revised excluding that statement. Of course, Vogue and WWD are both part of Condé Nast group, which could mean that the reason for her departure is being carefully guarded for the time being.
Trying to imagine Filipa Fino taking advantage of something like the Sample Closet at Vogue, which she has had free reign to, over the past 11 years, is suspicious in itself, but when tied together with the fact that the rumor mill is being fueled from within the Condé Nast group, one can assume that they are not factually driven. Maybe Finos exit was part of a preconceived plan to venture out on her own and that left a few taking shots at a great talent, who decided to move onto a better career choice.
On June 21st, 4 days after leaving Vogue, Fino took to her twitter, writing, “Can’t believe attn I’m getting! lol After 11 years I’m flying solo. So excited abt new co FFConsulting. Stay tuned. More to come.” This gives little insight to her future plans.
Whether or not the decision to leave Vogue was hers or theirs, there is no doubt that the success she found within those pages will resonate with the women who grew accustomed to her aesthetics throughout the years and will surely guarantee the same success in whatever her next endeavor may be. Fingers crossed that Vogue finds the same luck when choosing Filipa Finos successor, because she left a big pair of glamorous heals to fill.
