Ode To Joy: A Letter From Our Editor | Harper’s Bazaar Arabia November 2021
Bazaar Arabia’s Editor in Chief, Olivia Phillips, shares how we’re celebrating joyfulness of all kinds, in all forms, throughout this month…
Daydream Believer is the name of our cover story this month – apt for a deep-dive into the perspective of the one and only Dorra Zarrouk, the Egypt-based Tunisian star who, despite various challenges along the way, is letting a sunny disposition and big hopes for the future, define her. We could all do with a little more of Dorra’s outlook, which is why we have focused on joy for this issue, be that through art, fashion, travel, or good old-fashioned navel-gazing. After all, joy is deeply personal – and we encourage you to take your joy pretty seriously.
The poet Cleo Wade recently wrote, “Oftentimes when the world feels chaotic, we begin to feel as if it is somehow inappropriate to have joy. Have your joy. It is a radical form of self-care.” Both empowering and uplifting, it is a refusal to not allow hardship to define who you are.
From Olivia’s Desk…
Deputy Editor Jessica Michault’s equally as overachieving brother, Rawson Marshall Thurber, has directed and co-produced the biggest movie in the history of Netflix, Red Notice, and it’s out on 12th November. No big deal. 
Hermès Les Mains Nail Files, Dhs199 
Allegra Magnifying Musk Fragrance, Dhs719, Bvlgari at Sephora 
Dubai Wonder by Myrna Ayad, Dhs399, Assouline
Of course, much of this journey to joy requires stoically travelling through these challenges – in fact, they’re necessary in order to achieve it. In Good Grief, Clinical Psychologist and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia columnist, Dr. Saliha Afridi explores this concept through the lens of harnessing loss – from break-ups to bereavements – in order to grow deeper and wiser. Elsewhere, Carla DiBello discusses the idea of a ‘joy radar’ and how instant gratification can often lead us in the wrong direction.
Editor’s Picks
Coat, Dhs19,322, Loro Piana 
Sunglasses, Dhs1,630, Dior 
Ring, Dhs3,500, Bottega Veneta 
Bag, Dhs12,750, Fendi 
Watch, POA, Hermès 
Boot, Dhs3,550, Valentino
Speaking of directions, we’d highly recommend a trip to Cairo this month; the city is playing host to legitimately one of the most extraordinary exhibitions the world has ever seen at Art D’Egypte – the very first contemporary art show held at the pyramids of Giza (Hands of History) and a jaw-dropping example of what happens when the ancient world meets modern beauty. Ayesha S. Shehmir writes, “Art amidst these unparalleled monuments – which have survived wars as well as pandemics – is a testament to our evolution and ultimately, to a deeper purpose for all of humanity: hope.” To that, I would add: and joy.
Photography: Abdulla Elmaz. Fashion Director: Anna Castan
