Some Like It Oct: A Letter From Our Editor | Harper’s Bazaar Arabia October 2023
With World Health Day on October 10, Bazaar Arabia’s Editor in Chief Olivia Phillips explores the importance of focusing on one’s well-being, especially after being pelted head-long into a relentless Q4
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that October houses World Mental Health Day on the 10th. As months go, it can be a tough one. The heady days of summer’s Greek island-hopping are well behind us. We are being pelted head-long into a relentless Q4, after most of us are still spinning from the whiplash of September. It’s a restless time, neither here nor there, defined by both its inbetweenism and its intensity.
A little TLC, then, is never going to go amiss. I detest the term ‘self-care’ (too twee, too overused), but I am certainly not against what it stands for – and whatever iteration that may come in for you. That could range from rethinking your habits (we explore toxic patterns and how to break them), to heading to a wellness retreat, or even to Antarctica to quite literally Let It Go in a landscape that demands you breathe and take stock.
Should a small sartorial pick-me-up be more your speed, buying a delicious, ‘I’ve-got-my-life-together-really’ bag is always good for the spirit. We recommend Ferragamo’s sculptural number – in our latest issue read our interview with the brand’s new creative director, responsible for injecting the hype back into the house. Alternatively, you can take a leaf out of Nat Morcos’ newly pared-back book and declutter, downsize and donate anything that isn’t part of a tightly considered edit. For someone who used to joke about not owning a walk-in closet but a walk-in house to store all her heels, she’s done something of a 180° rebrand. We ask; is it just the name that she’s dropped? Or has Shoestova actually got rid of all her shoes alongside the pun?
Failing all that, art and literature are always guaranteed soul-soothers. We uncover this month’s Art D’Egypte, explore Saudi’s contribution to Frieze London, and speak to Lebanese journalist Zahra Hankir on her new book, Eyeliner: A Cultural History. She tells us how kohl, kajal or sormeh has always been a means of celebrating one’s cultural identity, including taking her on her own journey of solace and self-discovery.
Lastly, we explore the rise of young women giving up alcohol, and take notes from Dr Saliha, our monthly psychology columnist, on the benefits of slowing down. We may not have done so personally this month (this issue is testament to that), but, hey, there’s always November. Or as the meme circuit renamed it last year, No-vember, where you have carte blanche to just say no to things. I’m looking forward to it already…
Editor’s Picks
From Olivia’s Desk
A wellness festival is not usually my bag, but AlUla’s promises to be altogether different, and not only because of the majestic setting. Think yoga but with concerts afterwards at Marayah. From 19th October to 4th November, experiencealula.com.
Photography: Jack Waterlot. Fashion Direction: Anna Castan. Editor in Chief: Olivia Phillips. Hair: Eduardo Bravo. Make-Up: Tomi Ajayi. Photographer’s Assistant: Alec Nguyen. Stylist’s Assistant: Christian Marchesich
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s September 2023 issue.
