Dreaming On: A Letter From Our Acting Editor | Harper’s Bazaar Arabia February 2024
Bazaar Arabia’s Group Acting Editor in Chief Natasha Faruque delivers an issue dedicated to diversity and dreams
Taking over the helm of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia as Acting Editor was an unexpected surprise (welcome to the world, Peaches!) – and huge honour – for me. So it struck a chord when this month’s cover star, Ikram Abdi Omar, articulately admitted that she too had to rise to the challenge when she stepped into the fashion industry and suddenly found herself being hailed as a role model. “I didn’t ask to be one but I’m actually really thankful for it because even the younger me didn’t see someone like me in a magazine,” the Somali-born Muslim tells us.
Similarly, when I first entered the magazine scene, representation and diversity weren’t considerations raised during our brainstorming sessions, so this ‘foreign girl’ is incredibly proud to be part of a title that has put these two pillars firmly at the heart of our agenda.
Unanticipated trajectories might initially unnerve us, provide a sudden jolt, but ultimately, and more importantly, they can shake us out of complacency and completely inspire us. That was certainly the case for techpreneur Desi Gonzalez, who conjured up a whole new experiential world; AYA Universe and House of Hype literally encourage us to step into fantastical new realms.
“There are so many opportunities for big dreams to happen fast in the UAE,” she enthuses. “It’s in the air.” And that is something I, penning my first Editor’s Letter, can completely concur with.
Lead image credits: Strawberry Jacquard Silk Cotton Zip Dress in Shore, Dhs9,245; Leather London Shield Heeled Loafer in Lake, POA, both Burberry Tights, Stylist’s own
Model: Ikram Abdi Omar. Photography: Mattia Guolo. Fashion Direction: Anna Castan. Styling by Siân Gabari. Acting Editor: Natasha Faruque. Hair & Make- Up: Anna Sadamori. Senior Producer: Steff Hawker. Communications Manager: Johana V. Dana. Photographer’s Assistant: Alessio Spanu. Styling Assistant: Paola Pimentel
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s February 2024 issue.
