Stuff Of Legend: A Letter From Our Editor | Harper’s Bazaar Arabia July/August 2024
Bazaar Arabia’s Olivia Phillips reveals why our July/August cover star will forever be an inspiration to us all
I first met Huda Kattan nearly 10 years ago at a friend’s wedding. When she arrived, I remember the frisson of excitement borderline threatening to upstage the bride. (Disclaimer: in the end of course, it didn’t, but only because my pal is also a total knockout.)
Whatever star power Huda held back then, however, the past decade has seen explode into the kind of improbable, wildly stratospheric influence that shuts down malls and haters alike. She is, put simply, A Very Big Deal. But you already knew that.
What you might not have known is that her modern-day rags-to-riches tale started with a $6,000 loan, the internet and a healthy dose of tenacity, leading to the creation of a billion-dollar beauty empire that she’s now in the midst of rebranding – seemingly whilst also rebranding herself.
As she tells Anita Bhagwandas in our cover story, Huda Boss, reaching 40, as well as taking back control as CEO of her company are to thank for paving these new pathways with real confidence – the kind befitting such a beauty-industry titan. “I really stopped caring what people think [when I turned 40], but you don’t want to ever listen to yourself too much, or totally stop listening to others, either,”. “You really do have to trust yourself. Women, especially.” Icon, legend, Dubai girl done good; there’s plenty to learn from Huda’s gracious yet gargantuan success – and for that, we will always salute her.
Photography By Desiree Mattsson. Styling By Nour Bou Ezz. Editor-in-Chief: Olivia Phillips. Art Director: Paul Solomons. Senior Producer: Steff Hawker. Make-Up: Shirin Nabati. Hair: Dom Seeley. Styling Assistant: Purna Bansal. Post Production: Ruben Kristiansen. Photographer’s Producer: Luke Miley for LMC Worldwide. Special thanks to HU Management, and Bickiboss Studio
Credits for Lead image: Tiffany Hardwear Link Earrings in Yellow Gold with Diamonds; Right hand: Tiffany Hardwear Small Link Ring in Yellow Gold with Diamonds; Left hand: Tiffany Knot Double Row Ring in White Gold with Diamonds, POA, all Tiffany & Co. Jacket, Dhs30,700; Glasses, Dhs1,030, both Tom Ford
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s July/August 2024 issue.
