The Spirit of Saudi: A Letter From Our Editor | Harper’s Bazaar Arabia December 2020 Issue

Olivia Phillips reveals the next addition to the Bazaar family – Harper’s Bazaar Saudi – and what this dynamic new chapter within history means for the fashion industry and, of course, for women within The Kingdom

Harper’s Bazaar has flourished for more than 150 years by continually reinventing itself. Adapting to the times – perhaps now more than ever – has been the essential philosophy that has not only steered us to the top, but kept us there… and if there’s one country that has seized a similar drive to evolve and gone full-steam ahead with it, it’s the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

With this powerful synergy in mind, it is now time for us to officially embrace Saudi Arabia into the Bazaar family – so I am truly thrilled to announce that in March 2021, we will be launching Harper’s Bazaar Saudi; a dynamic new chapter for a dynamic new dawn.

This brand-new, entirely standalone edition of Harper’s Bazaar is the first-ever international women’s title to be distributed in the Kingdom, and will be dedicated to celebrating, reporting on and – most importantly – supporting this exceptional country and its equally exceptional people.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to lead the historic launch of the world’s oldest fashion magazine into a new market, especially one taking fearless quantum leaps into the future, abundant with trailblazers shaping what is undoubtedly the most exciting fashion and art scene in the world right now. With this culture-shifting opportunity, Harper’s Bazaar Saudi promises to amplify the voices of Saudi women, engender meaningful, agenda-setting conversation, and shine a light on the country’s vast array of incredible talents – something that Her Highness Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud, leading member of the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission, voice of the KSA fashion industry and our December cover star, is extremely familiar with, having dedicated her career to it. Read her inspiring plans, in line with the game-changing cultural movement driven by Vision 2030, here.

With Princess Noura gracing the cover of this issue, one also honouring the talent, tenacity, rich past and bold new dawn of KSA, we felt this was the perfect time to reveal this momentous news, and share our excitement in our goal to bring a pioneering lens to media in the Kingdom, and help drive its incredible changes forward together. Saudi – we can’t wait.

Photography: Rayan Nawawi
Fashion Director: Anna Castan
Art Director: Oscar Yanez
Styling: Hala Alharithy
Make-up: Eilaf Ahmed Sabbagh & Zaina Eissa
Hair: Hadil Omar Tenbi

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s December 2020 issue.