On The Map: A Letter From Our Editor | Harper’s Bazaar Saudi Spring 2022
Harper’s Bazaar Saudi’s Editor in Chief, Olivia Phillips, on how the Kingdom is fast becoming one of the world’s most exciting, multifaceted cultural hubs
Quite understandably, we talk about Saudi a lot at Bazaar. But it’s not just in the office that it’s often discussed at length over the desks – whether it’s chatting with contacts in Riyadh, Dubai or Paris, the excited refrain comes time and again: “There’s just so much happening right now!”
And it’s true. From grand artistic endeavours in AlUla with Desert X to sporting exploits at the Saudi Cup and fashion milestones with Dolce & Gabbana’s first-ever show in the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia is racing toward its rightful place as one of the world’s most exciting and multifaceted cultural stages.
It seems apt, then, that 2022 is also the year that the country introduced a brand-new national celebration in the form of its inaugural Founding Day on 22nd February – an annual holiday that serves to mark its rich heritage and culture. In true Bazaar style, we’ve celebrated with a shoot showcasing both of these things with an all-Saudi team on the ground bringing the spectacular images to life.
And from locally based Saudis waving the flag to ones making their mark in Hollywood, this issue’s cover star Dina Shihabi is ensuring that the world really does get to see its countrymen (and women’s) talents.
The LA-based actress of Saudi-Norwegian-Palestinian-Haitian descent has had us all hopelessly transfixed by her turn as the lead in global number-one Netflix show, Archive 81. Fresh off her appearance on Ellen, Dina spoke to us about her journey and it’s safe to say we’re even more charmed now than we were to begin with.
Thick and fast, highlights from the Kingdom keep on coming. And we’re so happy to be here to cheer them on with you.
Editor’s Picks…
Photography: by KWAKU ALSTON. Styling: ABID HAQUE. Hair: Kat Thompson at Tomlinson Management Group. Make-Up: Carissa Ferreri at The Wall Group. Photographer’s Assistants: Braden Moran and Lee Stevens. Stylist’s Assistant: Ashley Aronson. Producer: Jesse Vora. Post Production NS1 Media. Production Assistant: Adam Robert Perez.
From Harper’s Bazaar Saudi’s Spring 2022 issue
