Harper’s Bazaar's first black Arab Editor-in-Chief emphasises importance of representation and Black Lives Matter

US-based American fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar has made history after it appointed its first Arab woman of colour as its Editor-in-Chief.

Samira Nasr, a Canadian editor born to a Lebanese father and a Trinidadian mother studied journalism in New York before hopping from Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar as a consultant, and later working as Style Director for InStyle Magazine.

Six months after Glenda Bailey stepped from as Harper’s Bazaar’s EIC, Hearst Magazines have finally revealed her successor.

This is the first time in the publication’s 153-year history that a black Arab woman has taken the reins at the prestigious fashion publication.

Nasr is set to take over at Harper's on 6 July.

Sharing the news in a post on Nasr’s and Harper’s Bazaar’s Instagram pages, she talked about her cultural background and the importance of her appointment in the context of Black Lives Matter protests.

Twitter Post

Demonstrations have erupted across the world due to the unjust killing of an African American man called George Floyd at the hands of white police officers.

Her parents’ background means she has a “world view [that is] expansive and is anchored in the believe that representation matters.”

She added: “It is a thrilling challenge to be in a position to re-imagine what a fashion magazine can be in today’s world. And I know that this position places me in a particular intersection that I do not take lightly.”

Read more: #BlackLivesMatter: The New Arab's special coverage of anti-racism protests

“[I am committed] to begin a new chapter in Bazaar’s history,” she went on to say, and said she “[will] work to give all voices a platform to tell stories that have never been told.”

Nasr took the opportunity of her appointment to talk about Black Lives Matter protesters, thanking them for their service.

“To all the protesters, community organizers, activists and those currently fighting to be safe, to be seen and heard through our own narratives

"I see you, I thank you, and I hope we can join forces to amplify the message of equality because Black lives matter.”