Early Life and Ambitions

Born and raised in a middle-class family in Ottawa, Canada, Carter attributes his success to a blend of Canadian friendliness and determination. He stated, “Canadians are not weak; we may look affable on the outside, but if you can survive playing hockey on an open rink in 30° weather, you develop a spine.”

Reflecting on his early aspirations, he remarked, “I had absolutely no ambition whatsoever,” before shifting his focus towards a career in magazines.

Career Beginnings in New York

In 1978, driven by a passion for publishing, Carter moved to New York City, where he faced the sweltering summer heat in an inappropriate Canadian tweed coat. His improvised interview strategy included cooling off in front of an air conditioner, but this encounter led to a job offer that would launch his illustrious career during a remarkable era in journalism.

The Rise of Vanity Fair

In 1992, Carter became editor of Vanity Fair, a position that coincided with a transformative period in New York City. “With the invention of the investment banker, everything changed in New York. People were showing off their money in a big way,” he recalled.

His earlier experience as a co-founder of Spy magazine equipped him with insight into satirizing the wealthy and powerful—most notably, Donald Trump, whom he dubbed a “short-fingered vulgarian.” Carter’s candid exploration of public figures paved the way for his editorial influence.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Carter’s tenure at Vanity Fair solidified his reputation as a cultural tastemaker. He was pivotal in shaping major stories and interviews, such as bringing Monica Lewinsky back into the spotlight and revealing the identity of “Deep Throat.”

His editorial decisions, from exclusive interviews to the magazine’s prestigious Oscar parties, underscored a commitment to high-quality journalism and entertainment. “We had no VIP sections… it’s about the right curation of people,” he explained when discussing the appeal of his gatherings.

Retirement and New Ventures

After resigning from Vanity Fair in 2017, Carter settled in the south of France, but he quickly realized retirement wasn’t what he envisioned. Instead, he embarked on a new project, launching Air Mail, an email newsletter that now boasts half a million subscribers across 219 countries.

Carter’s philosophy of storytelling embraces the notion that “successes are really boring; failures are much more fascinating,” indicating his willingness to share the less glamorous aspects of his journey.