Samira Nasr appointed as Harper's Bazaar's first black editor

Written by Oscar Netherlands, CNN

Fashion Harper’s Bazaar magazine was appointed as the black editor for the first time in its 153-year history.

Publisher Hearst said on Tuesday that the executive fashion director of Vanity Fair, Samira Nasr, will head the US edition of the title from next month.

Montreal-born Nasr replaces Glenda Bailey, the magazine’s long-time editor announced in january he resigned at the helm almost 19 years later. In a video He published it on social media and said that he was honored to be “chosen for the best job” in this special moment in our nation’s history.

“As a proud daughter of a Lebanese father and a Trinidadian mother, Nasr said, my worldview is broad and believes that representation is important.” Said. “It is important for me to start a new chapter in the history of the bazaar that sheds light on all individuals that I believe are the inspiring sounds of our time, because of its nature, my lens is colorful.”

This move marks the return to Hearst for Nasr, who previously served as fashion director at Elle, one of the company’s other titles. Prior to that, he took on the role of director in InStyle fashion magazine and began his career as an assistant to Vogue’s former creative director, Grace Coddington.

Nasr used the two-minute video to summarize his broad vision of Harper’s Bazaar. circulation about 762,000. He said he hopes “to redesign what a fashion magazine might be in today’s world”, hinting that he might want to expand the focus of the title.

“I believe Harper’s Bazaar can offer the best in fashion, a place where the community can come together to celebrate art, music, pop culture, and learn about the important issues we face as women today.” “The struggle for human rights is like our reproductive rights and the obstacles we face when fighting for equality in the workplace.”

Samira Nasr on the right, the screening of the movie “Queen & Slim” in New York last year. Credit: Bryan Bedder / Getty Images North America / Getty Images for Universal

Nasr also presented a message of solidarity to protesters and activists who took to the streets in America after the death of George Floyd, owned by the Minneapolis police.

“I see you, thank you and I hope we can join forces to strengthen the message of equality because the cause of black life is important,” he said.

Positive intake

In Statement Describing the decision, Hearst’s president, Troy Young, said that Nasr’s voice “will continue to develop its different position as a benchmark for the brand’s most distinctive style of fashion.” Elsewhere, his appointment has been welcomed by people from the media and fashion industries.

“Guru!” tweeted actor, singer and red carpet fixture, Janelle Monae, “but still 153 years?”

Fashion designer Prabal Gurung Wrote: “Good news we all need to hear. Congratulations Samira Nasr @harpersbazaarus you did well !!!”

Meanwhile, Radhika Jones, editor-in-chief of Nasr’s current boss, Vanity Fair, expressed his good wishes in his new role.

“A stylish avatar is always in front of the curve,” Jones Wrote in an Instagram title that accompanies the picture of a couple. “I am very happy for him and his new team. And I am very happy that this role has gone to a colorful woman at the moment in history.”

The move comes less than a week after Hearst explained Fundraising effort for organizations combating racial injustice. The publisher said it would match and double its staff contributions up to $ 500,000.

Abbott Hopkins

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