Samira Nasr is the editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar — and the first Black woman to hold the position.
Nasr was named the top editor role in June 2020, filling the position that had been left vacant by prior editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey , who was there for nearly two decades.
She wasted no time in putting her own stamp on the over a century-and-half-old title, bringing in more political and current events coverage and widening the definition of what the magazine considers to be “luxury.” From her hiring, she spoke of her desire to increase representation in the magazine and broaden its focus.
"As the proud daughter of a Lebanese father and Trinidadian mother, my world view is expansive and is anchored in the belief that representation matters," said Nasr in a video announcing her appointment. "My lens by nature is colourful 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."
To execute this vision, she hired a slew of new top editors, including creative director Laura Genninger, executive editor Leah Chernikoff and digital director Nikki Ogunnaike.
Nasr joined Harper’s Bazaar from Vanity Fair, where she served as executive fashion director. She started her career at Vogue, working as the assistant to legendary editor Grace Coddington . In the years leading up to Vanity Fair and Bazaar, she worked as a freelance stylist for titles including InStyle and Elle, where she served as fashion director for five years.
