Fast Times At Harper’s High: A Letter From Our Editor | Harper’s Bazaar Arabia November 2022
Bazaar Arabia’s Editor in Chief Olivia Phillips discusses the importance of slowing down in a fast-paced world
Not to toot my own horn (if you’ll pardon the pun), but I know a thing or two about racing. Sadly, not in the literal on-the-track sense like our pre-eminent cover star, the first female Emirati race-car driver, Amna Al Qubaisi, but in two other considerably less impressive ways. Firstly, my dad was a rally driver, so my youth was coloured by two things: the seemingly constant noise of the Formula One on telly, and the even more constant carousel of cars reversing in and out of our garage, my dad’s legs sticking out from underneath them as he tinkered away with their engines day after day. It’s still a sore spot for him that I’ve yet to pass my driving test (sorry, dad), although I did promise myself that my new year’s resolution for 2022 was to do it. It’s not going very well, although I’m sure if I ask my pops (or indeed Amna) very nicely that they would both offer to help me finally get this over the line. One can only hope.
The other way speed has come to define my life is, probably like many of you, through the onslaught of a never-ending to-do list, an increasing demand to keep up with the social-media cycle, and a worrying penchant for always looking ahead to the next project without taking a breath to appreciate any present achievements – however big. It’s a very modern malaise. So it’s ironic that Amna – a young woman who has built a career on being the fastest – had so much to say about the power of slowing down.
It’s also telling that Amna credits so much of her pioneering success to the people around her: her dad, also a race driver, mum, who she calls her “mentor”, and sister, her “hero” – also in the fast and furious family business of going rather quickly in a car. Hearing Amna generously credit the support of her loved ones reminded me of one of my all-time favourite quotes: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” It’s an African proverb that speaks to teamwork, community and how much more we can achieve if we help each other. In these hyperquick, increasingly individualistic times, it’s worth remembering. I’ll try to take my own advice and slow down this month, although if you ask my dad he’ll tell you I’ve already been procrastinating for 20 years…
From Olivia’s Desk…
I’m revelling in the surge of movies in the horror-comedy genre, and Bodies Bodies Bodies is one that I devoured with glee. It’s a fantastic commentary on the terror of Gen Z life – are they the real monsters in all of this? Or should we blame TikTok?
Editor’s Picks
Photography: Amer Mohamad. Styling: Laura Jane Brown
Cover Credits: Alif unity by Damas Jewellery necklaces, full link chain, double rolo chain, and Y rolo chain in 18 karat yellow gold studded with brilliant diamonds; Alif unity chain bracelet featuring Alif-shaped links, that connect around a hero Alif motif fully studded with brilliant diamonds in 18 karat gold; Alif mosaic malachite bangle in 18 karat rose gold; Alif mosaic malachite ring In 18 karat gold, POA, all Damas. Dress, Dhs20,540, Ferragamo; Helmet, POA, Boss
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s November 2022 issue.
