Samira Nasr is Making History as the First Woman of Colour at the Head of Harper's Bazaar US
The fashion magazine Harper's Bazaar has named Samira Nasr as the next Editor in Chief of the U.S. edition. She is the first woman of colour in the history of the magazine, that dates back 153 years, to cover that position.
Ms. Nasr, former Vanity Fair executive fashion director, will overseeing both print and digital as of July 6; succeeding Glenda Bailey who announced in January she was stepping down from the Hearst title after 19 years in the role.
Samira Nasr, originally from Montreal, has spent her career working for fashion magazines, but she's now making history at the head of Harper's Bazaar: this is a milestone in an industry where there is too little diversity both on the pages and in the highest levels of leadership.
In the video that she posted on social media, she described feeling "honored" at being selected for the top job "at this particular moment in our nation's history." She explained her intent to run an inclusive publication and she want to "reimagine what a fashion magazine can be in today's world."
“As the proud daughter of a Lebanese father and Trinidadian mother, my worldview is expansive and is anchored in the belief that representation matters,” she said. “My lens by nature is colorful and so it is important to me to begin a new chapter in Bazaar’s history by shining a light on all individuals who I believe are the inspiring voices of our time".
“I will work to give all voices a platform to tell stories that would never have been told” she added.
Ms. Nasr also talked directly to those who are taking part at the protests all over the world: “I see you, I thank you, and I hope we can join forces to amplify the message of equality, because Black Lives Matter.”
What it means to have Samira Nasr as EIC of one of the most famous magazines in the States?
As Black Lives Matter movement continues its protests across America and Europe, and the world is still shocked by the murder of George Floy, having a person of colour such as Samira at the head of Harper's Bazaar US is a much needed breath of fresh air.
Her job will probably involve a change of direction in the magazine, with content that reaches a new, diverse and younger audience, focusing not only on fashion but also on politics and current events.
"I believe that Harper's Bazaar can deliver the best in fashion, all while being a place where community can come together to celebrate art, music, pop culture and also learn about the important issues that we as women are facing today," she said, "such as the fight for human rights, our reproductive rights and the hurdles that we face as we fight for equity in the workplace."
Written by Miriam Tagini
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