Harper’s Bazaar names first black editor-in-chief

Samira Nasr has been named editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar U.S., according to a Wednesday announcement, making Nasr the first black editor-in-chief at a Hearst-owned publication.

Nasr, a former Vanity Fair fashion director, will begin her Harper’s Bazaar tenure on July 6.

“As the proud daughter of a Lebanese father and Trinidadian mother, my worldview is expansive and is anchored in the belief that representation matters,” Nasr said in an introductory video released by Hearst on Instagram. “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.”

Hearst Magazine Chief Content Officer Kate Lewis said Nasr will create “something magical” at Harper’s Bazaar, which launched in 1867 out of New York City.

“Bazaar has always presented the world of fashion through a unique lens — smart, vibrant, adoring. Those words could not better describe Samira, who understands and delights in the world of fashion, but has a thoroughly modern and distinctive take,” Lewis said in a statement.

“She innately understands the Bazaar woman because she is the Bazaar woman: passionate about fashion, culture and the issues that matter today. I know she will make something magical here,” she added.

The Canadian-born Nasr replaces Glenda Bailey, who was Harper Bazaar’s editor-in-chief for nearly 20 years.