The Australian fashion industry is abuzz with the shock announcement that Edwina McCann, who has been editor of Harper’s Bazaar Australia for the past three years, will replace Kirstie Clements at arch rival publication Vogue Australia. Clements spent 10 years as editor-in-chief of Vogue, which is published by the Rupert Murdoch owned News Magazines. (Harper’s is part of competitor ACP Magazines.)

The announcement comes with no shortage of speculation. The Sydney Morning Herald’s headline read simply: ‘Vogue editor sacked as heads roll at News Magazines.’ Ouch. The SMH went on to report that Clements was one of three senior executives to get the axe following the recent appointment of Nicole Sheffield as chief executive of NewsLifeMedia.

Clements is a well-respected figure in Australian fashion, who helped guide Vogue Australia into what it is today. Sheffield gave her much praise when announcing the change, which is awkward considering it seems she might have been the one to sack her.

McCann recently made headlines by securing Nicole Kidman and her 16 month-old daughter Faith Margaret on a Harper’s Bazaar cover. She said in a statement, “I started my career at Vogue and I am very excited about returning to work for the world’s most powerful fashion media brand. The opportunities for this formidable brand online and in a social media landscape are endless and our future is very bright indeed.”

She starts her new role in July. In the meantime, let’s hope those two aren’t at the same function anytime soon.