Harper’s Bazaar has named Samira Nasr as the first Black editor-in-chief in its 153-year history, Hearst announced Tuesday.

The former fashion executive of Vanity Fair will take over the helm of the publication on July 6, overseeing content strategy and development across the brand’s print and digital platforms.

“As the proud daughter of a Lebanese father and Trinidadian mother, my worldview is expansive and is anchored in the belief that representation matters,” the Montreal-born exec said in her video announcement. “My lens by nature is colorful, and so it is important to me to begin a new chapter in Bazaar’s history by shining a light on all individuals who I believe are the inspiring voices of our time.”

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According to CNN, after graduating from New York University with a journalism degree, Nasr began her career in fashion as an assistant to Grace Coddington, former creative director of Vogue. Prior to her new role, Nasr held high-ranking positions at ELLE, where she worked as a fashion director for five years, and at InStyle as a style director. Additionally, she styled for major brands, such as Laura Mercier, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, and Estée Lauder.

Outside of her work, Nasr is a dear friend to Tracee Ellis Ross. The award-winning star took to Instagram to share her love for Nasr and gush over the historic news.

“This is a win for everyone,” Ross wrote. “My heart is bursting. I am so proud.
I’ve never been shy about my love for this woman. I could not do this life thing without her.”

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Singer and actress, Janelle Monáe, also congratulated Nasr, while noting her disappointment in the publication.

“My gurl!” she tweeted, “but damn 153 years though?”

Nonetheless, amid the current racial climate and subsequent reckoning in media, this move marks a step in the right direction for Harper’s Bazaar.

“Fashion and BAZAAR are synonymous,” said Nasr. “It is a tremendous privilege to be entrusted with moving this legacy brand into a new era—one that is colorful, inclusive, and celebrates the beauty of fashion on every platform—while carrying on the tradition of innovative art direction and great style that the BAZAAR audience loves so much. The most beautiful part of working in magazines is the teamwork and creating a community. I can’t wait to get started.”

first Black editor-in-chief

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