Jim Moore, the longstanding editor for GQ, will be transitioning into the role of creative director r-at-large following a long series of departures from the Condé Nast men’s title. The longtime Condé Nast editor is finally stepping away from the legacy publisher.
GQ’s creative director Jim Moore established the magazine as being the go-to style guide for American men for over four decades. He held the creative director position since 1998. Will Welch, who is the editor-in-chief of GQ’s quarterly, will be taking over in January of 2018.
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Just like Vogue’s creative director, Grace Coddington, reduced her role at the magazine in January 2016 while still being able to maintain an office and a large commitment to the publisher, Moore will take the title of creative director-at-large and will still be an active contributor to the magazine’s pages and some projects. The details of Moore’s future contract is still being under discussion.
“[Editor-in-chief Jim Nelson] has been a big advocate for me, so he wants me around and he wants my hand on every issue going forward,” Moore tells Business of Fashion, explaining that the difference will now be that his involvement will vary from project to project. “One of my favorite things is being an ambassador for the magazine. That’s a really important part of what I want to continue, the video series — teaching is really important for me.”
At Condé Nast, the responsibilities of the creative director-at-large role will vary from title to title. At the same time, the publication will be able to cut costs as the print industry continues to struggle to adapt to a more digitally focused media environment. This past November, Condé Nast announced that GQ would reduce its issues from 12 to 11 and lay off around 80 people across the company. During this cost cut, GQ lost high profile positions in the Condé Nast department, including the executive digital director and fashion director.
Moore says the new arrangement worked for him and GQ. ““I’m sure when you get slightly pushed out of the nest, it’s a wobbly feeling — especially for me, it’s been my life for four decades,” he said. “I’m really excited about staying connected to this but looking out there for other projects.”
“I don’t know any one person who’s had more effect on the way men dress in America,” says Nelson. “Jim’s is an almost mythic influence. When we threw an anniversary party several years back where Kanye West performed live on stage, even Kanye rapped about the talent and legend of Jim Moore.”
