by Caribbean Collective Magazine

When we think of the upper echelon of fashion magazines, names such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle Magazine amongst others come to mind. Harper’s Bazaar was founded in 1867 by Harper & Brothers publishing firm and operated by brothers James, John, Joseph Wesley, and Fletcher Harper. Its very first issue was described as “A repository of fashion, pleasure, and instruction." Since, Harper’s Bazaar has maintained its brand identity as a symbol of fashion, culture, and American pop culture.

 It’s newly appointed editor, started Samira Nasr was appointed in June of 2020. Nasr started her career at Vogue, serving as an assistant to Creative director Grace Coddington. It’s important to note Harper’s Bazaar has never had a black Editor in Chief much less a West Indian woman. Yes, you hear us correct! Samira Nasr is half Trini and our girl speaks on her heritage proud Trini and Lebanese heritage.

In recent months, the US has been subject to outrage and protests over the death of George Floyd, Ahmad Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. Movements such as #blacklivesmatter came to center spotlight as civil rights violations and the public’s relationship with police were called into question. Yet the bigger question still lingers: Do the deaths of innocent black lives in 2020; 100 years after the civil rights movement, still reek of the residual effects of the US’s abominable history of slavery? 

Many argue yes. The trickle-down effect permeated organizations, publications and magazines. Major corporations like Nike announced Juneteenth as a paid holiday in acknowledgement of the abolition of slavery. CEO, Christene Barberich of the wildly popular Refinery 29 stepped down after the company was outed for its alleged instances of discrimination. Bon Apetite CEO, Adam Rapoport stepped down after being seen in brownface. This was in conjunction to accusations of discrimination at the magazine.

 So why is it important to have CEOs and editors who represent diversity? Simply put, representation matters. Inclusivity means equality in many instances. Trending fashion magazines that represent the epitome of global fashion must include all. High fashion, pop culture, and beauty are no longer categorically reserved for one demographic. Samira’s appointment as Editor-in-Chief to one of the world’s top fashion magazine’s sends a message to a country whose history and old wealth was built on the backs of slaves. Diversity matters. Black, brown, yellow, womxn, muslim, disabled, and different are no longer second class. In order to achieve true equality all must be included as part of the new standard. 

We wish Samira well and are super excited to see the direction of Harper’s Bazaar under her leadership.