Samira Nasr was announced the new editor in chief of Harper’s BAZAAR, taking over the position starting on July 6. This announcement, made by owner company Hearst Magazines, seems to have come at a very good time in history – Nasr is the first Black editor in chief in the 153-year history of the magazine.
As editor in chief, she will be overseeing content strategy and development across the brand’s print and digital platforms. Nasr calls it a “tremendous privilege,” as she is planning on moving the legacy brand into a new era. In a statement by Harper’s BAZAAR, however, Nasr still winks at the tradition of provocative art direction and great style. “Fashion and BAZAAR are synonymous,” Nasr says.
The question on everyone’s mind is: So what? In what direction does she plan on taking the beloved fashion and lifestyle magazine?
In a video posted by Harper’s Bazaar US to Instagram, Nasr says her world view is anchored in the belief that representation matters. It seems she will make her time at Harper’s about representation in the industry.
“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,” she said. “I will work to give all voices a platform to tell stories that would never have been told.”
“I will work to give all voices a platform to tell stories that would never have been told.”
Samira Nasr
In response to this, Hearst Magazine Troy Young believes her voice is important and will further evolve the brand. He says Harper’s BAZAAR takes on a distinct position while remaining a touchstone for fashion’s most sophisticated.
In addition, smart, vibrant and adoring are words that have also been used to describe Samira. While she understands the typical fashion and style platform, she brings a very distinctive take. It appears Nasr was a great choice to direct the magazine because she fully embodies the BAZAAR woman. This idyllic woman is passionate about fashion, culture and issues that matter today, as an article on Harper’s BAZAAR online stated.
“I know she will make something magical here,” said Kate Lewis, Hearst Magazines Chief Content Officer.
Personal Life and Career
Previously, Nasr was the executive fashion director at Vanity Fair. She managed and directed the Vanity Fair fashion department and all fashion content, including styling iconic covers. From the official announcement, we know Samira began her career in fashion working as an assistant to Grace Coddington, former creative director of Vogue.
She was born in Montreal to a Lebanese father and a Trinidadian mother. In the above video, Nasr says she is proud of her heritage. She now lives in Brooklyn with her son.
Cover image courtesy of Harper’s BAZAAR
