Hamish Bowles Steps Down as Editor in Chief at The World of Interiors
Hamish Bowles is no longer editor in chief at The World of Interiors, the Condé Nast-owned design glossy based in London, WWD has learned.
The Condé veteran, who took the top job in 2021, has become creative director at large. Emily Tobin has been serving as editor, now the top role on the masthead, since September. The World of Interiors continues to publish a printed monthly magazine, and offers daily updates on its digital channels.
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Condé Nast confirmed that Bowles will continue to serve as global editor at large for Vogue, and has a feature story set for the May issue.
In a memo to staff last month, Bowles said he needed “more flexibility” and it was the right time to become the magazine’s creative director at large.
“I feel that this new role will allow me to focus on creativity, turning over day to day responsibility for the magazine while continuing to do my part to maintain WOI’s vibrancy, and its legacy and values as well,” he said.
He also gave a shout-out to Tobin “for her thoughtfulness, leadership and collaboration with me over the last couple of years. I’m equally grateful to the rest of you too — and I look forward to continuing our work together.”
Bowles was only the third editor of The World of Interiors, and had succeeded Rupert Thomas, who’d spent 22 years at the helm. During his short tenure he reported to Anna Wintour, global editorial director of Vogue and global chief content officer of Condé Nast.
The World of Interiors, known for its lush photography, historical perspectives, and in-depth coverage of design, the decorative arts and style, was founded by Min Hogg in 1981, and purchased by Condé Nast in 1982.
Bowles’ role change comes just a few months after Edward Enninful left his post as editor in chief of British Vogue.
The title was eliminated as part of Condé’s efforts to consolidate content creation under Wintour. As reported, the company has also been cutting costs, laying off staff, and pooling editorial content and operations across its editorial brands.
The March 2024 issue was Enninful’s final one, and featured 40 models and celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, Victoria Beckham and Salma Hayek, dressed in black and white. They posed together like old friends — or family — gathering for a reunion in a shoot by Steven Meisel.
Like Bowles, Enninful was handed a new title after he exited the top job. He is now global creative and cultural adviser at Vogue, and editorial adviser at British Vogue. A few months ago Enninful signed with William Morris Endeavor with the ambition of taking on new creative projects outside Condé Nast.
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