Reality Check | Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Qatar Special, Spring 2023 Issue
Bianca Brigitte Bonomi on why truth matters
Speaking one’s truth, at its most fundamental level, is an assertion of identity. It’s a way of letting others know who we are and what we stand for. For American essayist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau, truth was a necessity – “Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.” Truth can unite us. In Qatar, during the FIFA World Cup 2022, we collectively spoke our truth; a truth of hospitality and warmth, one that differed considerably from the international media narrative ahead of the event – and for those that visited Doha, Qatar’s truth shone bright and clear. The hugely successful event, described by many as the greatest World Cup in history, facilitated the sharing of culture and heritage and demonstrated that we cannot always believe what we read. Truth matters.
In Qatar’s fashion and design scene, truth is also a force for good. For the 21 talented Qatar-based designers selected for the Qatar Fashion United by CR Runway Show presented by Qatar Creates, the ambitious event’s global platform provided an opportunity to celebrate Qatar and its role in shaping their creativity; finding inspiration in its history and nature. The wide-ranging collections saw tradition meet with modernity, providing a beautifully curated visual manifestation of Qatar’s DNA.
For cover star Karen Wazen, speaking her truth is key. The entrepreneur and philanthropist believes in using her considerable social media platform for good and presenting a refreshingly unfiltered depiction of her life – success, certainly, but also hard work and vulnerability. As a mother, and with an audience that includes the teenage demographic, that responsibility feels even greater. “If my story can help anyone, I’m more than happy to share it.”
-Bianca Brigitte Bonomi, Director of Harper’s Bazaar Qatar
Photography: Vladimir Marti. Styling: Nour Bou Ezz.
Hair: Maggie Semaan. Make-Up: Michel Kiwarkis. Producer: Steff Hawker. Photographer’s Assistant: Efraim Evidor. Fashion Assistants: Poucy Elshahawy and Charlotte Marsh-Williams.
Lead image credits: Dress, QR15,000, Michael Cinco. HardWear Link Earrings in gold, QR23,270, Tiffany&Co.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Qatar Special, Spring 2023 Issue