A Call For Compassion: A Letter From Our Editor | Harper’s Bazaar Arabia November 2023

by Olivia PhillipsNovember 14, 2023November 14, 2023

Bazaar Arabia’s Group Editor in Chief Olivia Phillips delves into the deeper meaning of longevity as COP28 comes to Dubai this month and the region experiences unfathomable tragedies on its doorstep

As we began putting this issue together, the hopeful plans we harboured – in line with Dubai’s COP28 climate summit this month – were to spark conversation around the topic of sustainability, knowing that the fashion industry is one of the biggest historical culprits working against it. How could we create an edition that served as a mea culpa to this, but also showcased the strides in positive development? How could we celebrate beauty, reject greenwashing… but also truthfully acknowledge the flaws that still exist in the system?

We have done this with heavier hearts than ever anticipated, our discussions around what sustainability – and longevity – truly means in 2023 overshadowed by the immense and unfathomable tragedies unfolding on our doorstep.

Our world – and our collective heart – is broken. We pray for healing on every level so that ‘longevity’ continues to be a conversation we are privileged enough to even have.

Editor’s Picks

Sunglasses, Dhs1,820, Dita Eyewear. Earrings, Dhs920, Eshvi. Jacket, Dhs14,400, Loro Piana. Trousers, Dhs5,720, Loro Piana. Boots, Dhs27,500, Bottega Veneta. Bag, Dhs37,800, Chanel. Ring, Dhs445, Sylvia Toledano. (Prices Approximate)

Editor’s Essentials

Ten things Olivia thinks you should add to your cart this month.

Double-sided Coat, Dhs5,750; Balloon Cushion, Dhs3,750, both Louis Vuitton Baby; Le Carré Rose Table, Dhs38,650, Rotganzen; They call her The First Lady of Santa Monica, and The Georgian more than lives up that grandiose title. First opened in 1933 overlooking the iconic pier, this year the hotel has had a vibrant Wes Anderson-meets-Slim Aarons glow-up, but kept the high-society hideaway feel. thegeorgian.com; Liquid Disco Candle, Dhs175, The Rume; Montblanc Muses Maria Callas Special Edition Rollerball Pen, Dhs3,580, Montblanc; The Ultimate Gift Set, Dhs1,480, Net-A-Porter; Christmas Vinyl, by Cher, Dhs145; Eyelash Curler, POA, Hermès; In Search of Fatima: A Palestinian Story by Ghada Karmi, Dhs130; As much as I love a mall trawl, at seven months pregnant, Mall of the Emirates’ Digital Concierge is now a genuine godsend. A real-time WhatsApp chat with smart and speedy staff, whims answered (and delivered) within the day – four hours if you’re lucky – and all done whilst feet-up, watching Netflix from the sofa. malloftheemirates.com, +971 800 6636255

Lead image courtesy of Alex Vinci iStock

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s November 2023 Issue.

Editor’s Picks

Editor’s Essentials

Olivia Phillips

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