Veteran British journalist Suzy Menkes has been appointed international fashion editor of Vogue.

The 70-year-old left the Paris-based International Herald Tribune newspaper, rebranded as the International New York Times four months ago, after 25 years as its fashion critic.

She will now work as a critic and reporter for all international Vogue websites, including Britain, Spain, Japan, Germany and China.

“I feel this is the perfect time to embrace a new challenge in the digital age,” said Ms Menkes. “I am thrilled to become international Vogue editor – which has a real commitment to journalistic excellence and to have the opportunity to write for a wider global audience.”

Ms Menkes, who once attacked the British Fashion Council for scheduling catwalk shows on Yom Kippur, will also co-organise Vogue publisher Condé Nast International’s annual luxury conference.

Jewish-American businessman Jonathan Newhouse, the chairman and chief executive of Condé Nast International, said: “Ms Menkes is a unique talent, with superb judgment about fashion and keen insight into the business behind it.”

British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman, whose father is Jewish, welcomed the appointment. “Her experience is invaluable and I have always admired her,” said Ms Shulman.