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For decades, Anna Wintour's signature look has included her dark sunglasses, rarely seen without them in public. However, the legendary Vogue editor-in-chief made a rare exception when she received one of Britain's most prestigious honors from King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
On Tuesday, Wintour was officially inducted into the Order of the Companions of Honour, a prestigious group recognizing individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on the arts, science, medicine, or government. The order is exclusive, allowing only 65 living members at a time, with icons such as Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Judi Dench among its ranks.
The recognition was part of King Charles' 2023 birthday honors, celebrating Wintour's decades-long contribution to fashion and philanthropy. She has played a key role in fundraising for causes such as HIV/AIDS research and the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, where she spearheads the world-famous Met Gala.
Though Wintour briefly removed her signature eyewear during the ceremony, she quickly slipped them back on for photographs outside the palace. In a previous interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, Wintour revealed the strategic purpose of her ever-present shades, stating, "They're incredibly useful because you avoid people knowing what you're thinking about."
This isn't the first time Wintour has been recognized with a high honor. In 2017, she was made a Dame of the Order of the British Empire by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Adding to her accolades, just last month, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden awarded Wintour the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The fashion mogul, known for her deep political ties, has supported numerous Democratic campaigns and hosted high-profile fundraisers.
With decades of influence in the fashion industry, Wintour continues to shape global trends. And while she may have momentarily stepped into the spotlight without her signature sunglasses, her sharp vision for fashion remains as powerful as ever.
