The fashion world was stunned with the announcement that well-loved creative director of US Vogue Grace Coddington has decided to step down from her position after 28 years. But worry not, she’s still working for them as creative director-at-large and has been given the freedom to do more projects outside of the publication.

Grace first worked for Vogue when they discovered her as a model at 19. She started working for Vogue UK then switched to its American counterpart in 1988.

Although she’s stepping down from the position, she tells Business of Fashion, “I’m not running away from Vogue, because it has opened so many doors. But it will be nice to collaborate, and nice to go out [and] give talks to people. It’s just another approach. I’m certainly not going into retirement. I don’t want to sit around.”

A spokesperson from US Vogue also said that Grace is still contracted to “work on several Vogue fashion shoots throughout the year.” As of now, there is still no word on who will take her place as Creative Director.

So what’s next for this frizzy-haired 74-year-old?

The New York Times reported that Grace is currently working on creating a fragrance with Comme des Garçons which will be out in April, as well as releasing her second book, a follow-up to Grace: Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue, which continues her story on her career at Vogue. Her autobiography Grace will also be made into a film.

But what about her adorable illustration series “Catwalk Cats”? It’s also reported that it may be made into an animated film.

She may be leaving one of fashion’s biggest publications, but this feisty, self-proclaimed cat lady shows no sign of stopping anytime soon, and we’re glad that her partner, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour is onboard with her decision to branch out.

[Business of Fashion and The New York Times]

Photo courtesy of Models.com