Anna Wintour is an inspiration, an icon of fashion, power, and success; the epitome of a successful, independent woman.

Anna Wintour is an abusive, power hungry woman; the epitome of an unintelligent, horrid woman.

These two descriptions of Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour are quite the opposite. However, it seems that these are the exact definitions she obtains. Simply put, people either love her or hate her.

If you don’t already know, Anna Wintour is the British-born editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Wintour arrived in New York City in her teenage years, destined to be something great. She climbed the social ladders in both journalism and fashion, and in 1988 claimed her current role as editor-in-chief of the infamous magazine, Vogue.

Well, I choose the first description.

I believe she is a role model, a mentor. She is a headstrong woman who battled her way into her position at Vogue through numerous obstacles and setbacks. The one trait I admire most about Wintour is her courage. Wintour constantly tried new things. When given the position of Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Wintour created several new magazines to add to the brand name, such as Men’s Vogue and Teen Vogue. Although the only survivor was Teen Vogue, Wintour was not afraid of failure, and from her courage came a magazine enjoyed by millions of teenagers each month.

Throughout her life, Wintour has faced harsh criticism claiming that she is a pure “devil” in her job. For example, the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” is inspired by Wintour.

Although Wintour might not be warm and cuddly at times, the question stands of “Why should she have to be?”

Wintour is successful because of her drive, her personality, her strength, so why should she have to change that?

She is honest, straightforward, and strict. Her success was derived from this, and not because she was a timid, controllable woman.