Visual Voyage: A Letter From The Editor | Harper’s Bazaar Interiors Autumn 2024
Bazaar’s Ayesha Shehmir on the empowering and innovative designers behind the latest issue
The designers of this issue share one core belief: there’s more to the home than meets the eye; design should empower, represent identity, and conquer societal expectations. On page 84, Jennifer and David Black reveal the motivations behind their newest concept, Jungle Bungalow. Electric, vibrant and a fun mix of fashion and art, the concept opens the doors to a world of possibilities. With a passion to revolutionise interior design, the couple pride themselves on building a community-driven brand committed to sparking creativity and joy, one which welcomes the unexpected.
You can read more about Jennifer in our cover story, which has united her and two other powerful women in the industry for the first time ever: Marmar AlHilali and Kate Instone. The three formidable designers share an unmatched synergy yet stand for totally different movements. There is one thing they agree on – there’s no rulebook for personal expression. Put them in one room and expect nothing less than thought-provoking conversation, intellectual debate and empowerment in their own right. Genius ideas and unfiltered creativity are guaranteed. It’s a lesson in friendship, individuality and the art of femininity. Also dedicated to embracing originality is former model, Juliana Xerez. The jewellery designer takes a deeply personal approach to her eponymous brand, crafting artistic pieces that carry sentimental value. Her home in Dubai Hills reveals her passion for gemology, thoughtfully designed by Michele Atijas to capture the essence of positivity. An eclectic ode to self-love and healing, the villa emanates an endless sense of calm.
Interior designer Andrea Savage’s two-storey penthouse, an Art Deco dream, celebrates the transformative power of maximalism. The kaleidoscopic residence defies the norm, pushing the boundaries of what design can be. The same is true for Aya Abdo Cotran’s abode. A stunning marriage of old and new, the home is filled with botanical beauty and nods to her Palestinian heritage. Textures, prints and patterns dominate each room as love letters to culture, while the books, artworks and photographs narrate personal life experiences.
I hope you will challenge existing beliefs on the role design plays in your life and in broader society. Prepare for a visual voyage that ignites the imagination and leaves you inspired.
Editor’s Picks
Clockwise, from top left: Secret Stays book, Assouline; Poppy handbag in black feathers, Tyler Ellis; Hand-sculpted glass mirror objet d’art, Kelly Wearstler x Rotganzen; Eye vase, Baccarat; Ceramic earrings, Bottega Veneta
Images courtesy of respective brands
From Harper’s Bazaar Interiors Autumn 2024 issue