Oh, silly McKinsey & Co. According to the Observer, they’ve picked Condé Nast Traveler and Vogue as “examples” to start with in their analysis of Condé Nast’s efficiencies. Since Vogue is huge, and Traveler is mid-size, the rest of the magazines presumably will be able to follow their models as they try to downsize and cut costs. This may fly at Traveler, but Vogue isn’t an “example” — it’s Vogue. What we anticipate happening when the poor, Brooks Brothers–besuited bright young minds from McKinsey enter the twelfth floor of 4 Times Square can pretty much be adapted directly from the best monologue in The Devil Wears Prada. Witness:
Preppy McKinsey Analyst: It’s just that both those belts look exactly the same to me. Y’know, I’m still learning about all this stuff.
We think that’s about right. And God help the consultant who suggests she picks up her own steak and eggs in the morning.
Vogue, Traveler Get Thorough Exams, Courtesy of McKinsey [NYO]
