Samira Nasr named editor in chief of the U.S. edition of Harper’s BAZAAR, overseeing content strategy and development across the brand’s print and digital platforms.
With the Black Lives Matter movement we are seeing a huge surge in visibility, support, and awareness for #BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), a new term helping to build a collective community, promoting the inclusion of all people of color.
The percentage of black hires in the U.S. grew from 4.8% in 2018 to 5.5% in 2019, a .7% increase, and female employees didn’t fare much better, dropping from 33.2% of global hires in 2018 to 32.5% in 2019.
In a statement this week Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz and Hearst Magazines President Troy Young announced their first-ever black Editor in Chief of the company’s iconic fashion magazine, Harper’s Bazaar.
This announcement could not come at a better time, it’s time that equitable hiring practices become the norm, rather than the exception. Personally, I feel that we should not stop until the percentage of BIPOC hires is equal to white and we must move to lower the large gaps in income, create more promotional opportunities, and advancement for all.
Samira Nasr will commence her new role as Editor in Chief of Harper’s BAZAAR on July 6, 2020, reporting to Hearst Magazines Chief Content Officer Kate Lewis.
Samira is the first Black editor in chief in the history of the 153-year-old publication.
In her own words, “Fashion and BAZAAR are synonymous,” Nasr says. “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.”
Samira Nasr with Anita Hill from IG
Recently Samira was the executive fashion director at Vanity Fair, managing and directing the fashion department and all fashion content, including styling for their iconic covers such as the 25th annual Hollywood issue, the spring style issue featuring cover star Lupita Nyong’o, and the May 2019 issue with Nicole Kidman.
“Harper’s BAZAAR is a leading American fashion brand with a point of view that is hugely influential in the U.S. and around the world,” Young says. “Samira’s important voice will continue to evolve the brand’s distinct position as a style touchstone for fashion’s most discerning.”
Samira Nasr U.S. Harper’s BAZAAR
Coming back to Hearst Magazines, Nasr held the role of fashion director at ELLE for five years. Prior to that, she was style director for InStyle.
After earning a graduate degree in journalism at New York University, she went on to begin her career in fashion working as an assistant to Grace Coddington, former creative director of Vogue.
“BAZAAR has always presented the world of fashion through a unique lens—smart, vibrant, adoring. Those words could not better describe Samira, who understands and delights in the world of fashion, but has a thoroughly modern and distinctive take,” Lewis says. “She innately understands the BAZAAR woman, because she is the BAZAAR woman: passionate about fashion, culture, and the issues that matter today. I know she will make something magical here.”
Born in Montreal, Canada, Nasr currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, with her son.
“DJ Khaled is in the house!”, Merlin yelled as his hand released a fistful of birch bark into the nearby fire. The flames erupted into applause and surged forward towards our cold bodies. I threw my head back in laughter as Merlin’s hand reached back into a bag filled to the brim with highly flammable bark. “Oh man, he’s about to drop a new exclusive song!” I barely choked out, tears filling my eyes. The fire boomed and kicked with intense whites and yellows, exploding into life. This was our first warmth in two days after a downpour brought a frigid bite to the Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada.
Merlin mimicked ridiculous DJ air horn noises as he threw more fuel into the fire. I didn’t expect to be having such a great time with someone I had met in person only three days earlier. Merlin, an adventurous Hong-Kong born Toronto Native, responded to a call to action I made on the internet just weeks prior. I needed a partner for a six day backpacking trip through the Canadian forest, and I was willing to take a huge risk by using the internet to find one.
I was always pretty comfortable meeting people off the internet growing up. I met up with my first online friend at a mall during the dial up social media days of Myspace. In college, I met my first online date in a parking garage (I didn’t think that one through, okay?). After college, I flew across the country to meet a friend with whom I played online video games for eight years. The whole ordeal of meeting up with internet strangers seemed pretty normal to me.
So I didn’t think much about turning to the internet to find a companion for a 40 mile backpacking trip through a forest in Ontario. When I first posted my request on the popular website Reddit, I didn’t expect it to generate so much attention. “Found the serial killer”, and “Are you seriously expecting a stranger to join you in the woods?” were among the top responses to my post. Not a great start, but as the thread picked up steam, so did the genuine interest. That’s when I met Merlin.
An example of the sorts of inquiries on Toronto’s message board.
After exchanging messages briefly, we ironed out trip details over a video call. I would be providing the bulk of camping gear such as the tent, stove, and other odds and ends, while Merlin would provide the food. By the end of the call, there was no doubt we were committed to making it happen. As to whether or not we’d get along…that was a complete mystery.
The first time Merlin and I met was when he boarded the bus from Toronto to Algonquin. Through the handshake and hello I could tell we were sizing each other up. The looks we gave each other could only be translated as: “I’m about to spend six days alone in the forest with you. Don’t screw this up.” We had a mutual understanding that this was in no way a typical internet meet up. We weren’t grabbing a quick cup of coffee in a busy city or attending a weekly enthusiasts meeting; this was a commitment to pure isolation and survival with one another.
Fresh off the bus and weighed down by gear, we leapt into our first conversation about Mixed Martial Arts. We didn’t just talk about the superficial aspects for the sport, but its evolution, impact and intense skill. It was the sort of mental engagement that eliminated all obstacles from our journey, and it was a great sign that Merlin and I thought alike. Each day we moved, we paired the landscape with a new topic of conversation. The journey became not about the forest itself, but about how we both experienced it. We became a team, a unit that explored together.
A bit of laundry after a long day of hiking
I’m well aware that I rolled the dice by finding an internet stranger to brave the wilderness with me. There’s always a chance a meeting can call flat or even be catastrophic. In this instance, I came up pretty lucky. But that’s what travel is about to me–taking that risk, finding those dark, unknown parts of the world and stepping into them. Then lighting them up with a bang.
Costas Picadas exhibition explores the limits of reality through dreamlike photographs. The Odon Wagner Gallery of Ontario will host Picadas’ first Canadian exhibition, from September 27th through October 20th, so that Canada too can experience Picadas’ unique collections.
Costas Picadas Artist
The exhibition at Odon Wagner will feature 17 photographs, all of which depict scenes that are familiar yet hypnotically alien. Picadas captures both natural, and urban landscapes. Picadas’ use of architectural elements and nature, coupled with his technological techniques, yields images that feel classic but experiment with the digital world. Picadas highlights the often overlooked significance of familiar surroundings through such techniques.
Although his images are appealing, what is most captivating about Picadas’ work is what is left out of the image. What remains unshown, like who lives in some of these obscure buildings, prompts the viewer to question the reality of the time and space depicted in the photographs. The observer is placed into Picadas’ potentially alternative reality, engulfing the viewer in the unknown.
Image courtesy of Costas Picadas
Picadas is applauded for his ability to create surreal images that incorporate light, philosophy, science, and energy into art. Thus he stimulates the mind, and sensation, in tandem.
Costas Picadas was born in Ioannina, Greece. However, he now lives and works in New York City. His Greek roots, and New York experiences, have both influenced his art. “I’ve been living in NY for 25 years, so most of the work comes from regions in New York City as well as from my homeland in Greece”, says Picadas.
Image courtesy of Costas Picadas
Picadas is excited about “the opportunity to reach out to the Canadian population, to introduce them to my work, and to get their reactions”.
Costas Picadas has been featured in many local venues such as the Queens Museum, the Budman Gallery, and the Denise Bibro Gallery. As Picadas expands his artistic influence into Canada, more individuals get the pleasure of viewing sophisticated and intellectual art.
Few musicians have logged more television time than Paul Shaffer. In addition to being David Letterman’s bandleader and sidekick from 1982 to 2015, Paul was part of the band on Saturday Night Live for nearly five years. He also starred in the CBS sitcom A Year At The Top, hosted the VH1 game show Cover Wars, and appeared in the classic comedy This Is Spinal Tap; there is a long-standing rumor that Paul was offered the role of George Costanza on Seinfeld.
Off-screen, Paul’s credits as a musician are also very impressive. He got his start in musical theater, serving as musical director of the Toronto production of Godspell, eventually finding his way to Broadway in New York. While still in the SNL fold, he was a major creative force behind The Blues Brothers. Early into his Late Night With David Letterman tenure, he played keyboards for Robert Plant’s post-Zeppelin band The Honeydrippers and contributed the impressive synth solo to Scandal’s “Goodbye To You.” He co-wrote the song “It’s Raining Men” for The Weather Girls, which went Top 10 around the world and has since been covered by RuPaul and The Spice Girls’ Geri Halliwell. He has also released several solo albums, one of which Grammy-nominated and two of which produced by Todd Rundgren.
Paul has not slowed down his leaving the Late Show With David Letterman. He has been the musical director of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony since its inception. He was the musical director and on-screen accompanist for 2015’s Primetime Emmy-nominated A Very Murray Christmas. Last year he recorded his third solo album alongside his Letterman bandmates, Paul Shaffer & The World’s Most Dangerous Band, as released via Sire Records on Mar. 17; it features vocals from Dion, Jenny Lewis, Bill Murray, Darius Rucker, Shaggy and Valerie Simpson.
In support of The World’s Most Dangerous Band, Paul and band will be appearing at the Theater At Westbury on Apr. 22. One night earlier, the show comes to Montclair’s Wellmont Theater. Paul spoke to Downtown about his new album, the tour, James Brown, New York and plenty more. He can followed on Twitter via @PaulShaffer.
First, I wanted to ask you about the book you wrote a couple of years ago. Was it enjoyable for you to write the book in considering that you are primarily known as a sideman and a host and all that? Or was writing a book a completely different creative experience for you?
Paul Shaffer: Well of course it was. I was very much lucky to have David Ritz writing it with me. He is a pro, does a lot of music biographies, started with the Ray Charles book that he did back in the 70’s and Marvin Gaye and on and on…A lot of process was sitting with David and remembering stories that happened, and then you know putting them together with him and making a book out of it. I loved the process.
Sure. Was there a lot of material that was leftover from the book? A lot of stories that you still feel you hope to tell one day in another book or another form?
PS: Of course…I didn’t get to talk about about seeing Siegfried and Roy in Las Vegas with James Brown and then hanging out with all three of them later on…That is a book in itself really, but yeah, I couldn’t put everything in there…That certainly was one of the things I realized about the book that I did write a little bit inside…
Speaking of things that are inside, a lot of people know of course that you co-wrote the song “It’s Raining Men,” but I was curious if you had been otherwise in the co-writing game, trying to place music with other artists. Or was that just a one-off for you?
PS: I have written a few other things but it was a sort of a one-off. My co-writer was Paul Jabara, who wrote a number of other hits including “Last Dance” by Donna Summer. I had back in the 70s, when I was working in the studio as a session musician, I had done arrangements for this guy. One song we did together was called “One Man Ain’t Enough,” so he was already working towards that concept…
Anyway, Paul called and said, “I’ve got this title I want to write and you were so great as my arranger. I would love it if we co-wrote this thing.” He said, “What do you think about the title ‘It’s Raining Men?’” I said, “I will be right over,” and that is how it came about. I have written a few other things, songs, I mean comedy songs of course. One called “Kung Fu Christmas” for the National Lampoon back in ’74… Really I just love to play. I just love the immediate ratification that you get from playing the piano and playing songs that I love. Writing was just never a priority with me…That is all I can say.
So you do have the upcoming show at Westbury with The World’s Most Dangerous Band and the album coming out on Rhino/Sire. Does that mean that you and the band are still fully intact and you hope to keep it going, even though you are not on TV every night?
PS: Well, we love to play together. Everybody is doing their own thing now…I brought everybody back together to do the album and there was just, I was in love with the reunion, you know. We all loved playing together and felt comfortable playing together. After all those years, now we speak the same language, so we did the record together, we had a great time together and it all, it made sense to do some live appearances, which we are going to be doing springtime. Everybody was interested so you know, simple as that…
For somebody who is a fan of yours and the other musicians for years on television but may not be so sure of what they are going to see live on tour, do you have a way of describing the show?
PS: Well, I am going to be telling a lot of stories…I would be bringing them out as stories about times on the Letterman show, different artists that we’ve worked with and then in many cases, backing it up with some of the music. You know. James Brown is a guy who was just such a great influence, my very favorite, and I got to play for him so many times on Letterman. Every time was a lesson…so you know I wanted to tell the audience about that and then you know demonstrate in songs…We are also going to be playing tunes from the new album.
Well, you’ve mentioned so far James Brown a couple of times. I remember you often coming in and out of commercial on Letterman, doing the James Brown cape routine. Is that something you ever talked about with him?
PS: With James?
Yeah.
PS: No…We got into a routine for, I think years, where every Friday I would do the routine and a different celebrity would come out and put the cape on. The pinnacle of it was when he himself did it, James Brown came out himself to put the cape on me. So you know, that was, I could have retired that after that. It was such a thrill but I did not get to…I never did.
PS: Yeah, I have read it, sure. I have read it in the history books, I did not get a chance to confirm it with him, no, in any of the conversations I had, but I believe it. You know, it makes sense. I remember, well, I am old enough to remember Gorgeous George and I remember his outfits and his capes and stuff. So if James Brown has to be pretty honest if he ever did it admit it personally…It would be an honest thing to say, “I got it from a wrestler.”
So you have the upcoming tour and you have the album coming out on Rhino/Sire. When you have a free moment, what do you like to do in your spare time?
PS: I have two kids, my daughter is 23 living, she is out of the house, but my son is a senior in high school still at home, and I just like to spend as much time with him as he has for me. That is my priority and I have my best times with him and my daughter too, so hanging out with them, that is it.
I must say that you created or at least you portrayed two of the greatest comedy characters ever between Artie Fufkin and your impression of Don Kirshner. Do you have aspirations to act or be on the camera without an instrument again?
PS: Sure, I love it. I found the experience very musical, especially comedy, comedy in front of an audience, because it is something like getting that reaction from the audience and the waiting for it and then going on with your line and timing is just perfectly. I enjoy it so much and getting that kind of response from an audience is just the same as getting a response for one’s music from an audience. I would love to do small acting, yes.
Cool, and back to the hobby thing, do you have a favorite restaurant in New York? I realize that you have been here for over 40 years in New York.
PS: Yeah. I still go to a place called Caffe Cielo, right near the Ed Sullivan Theater, so I used to have lunch there very often. Now they have moved farther down in the Theater District to 49th Street, but I still go there because there is a group of friends who have lunch at the bar. Also, Gallagher’s Steakhouse on 52nd it’s right by the old theater where I used to work. That’s a place I go for the oxtail soup. So those are the two places that come to mind.
Still a Midtown West guy, cool. And so finally, Paul, any last words for the kids?
PS: Well, yes, hey kids…That’s it. (laughs) You know keep your nose to the grindstone. and enjoy being a kid.
Trip.com is an innovative planning tool that tailors recommendations for places to stay, eat and play to your specific tastes. It also allows you to share your great experiences with people who have the same interests as you; people in your “tribes.”
Trip.com’s TripPicks This Week feature empowers you to discover and take advantage of great events, openings and exhibits throughout the city each week.
Here are some exciting events and sites to check out this week in Downtown New York, courtesy of Trip.com. Visit the Trip.com site or download the app for more upcoming events.
1. Tripped Out Interiors by Toiletpaper
Cadillac House (South Village)
Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Saturday through Sunday from 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM (through Apr. 12)
Visionaire presents a tripped out immersive exhibition by the magazine Toiletpaper at Cadillac House. Hard to describe the surreal interiors, but we’ll leave you with these highlights — alligator, butt rug, popcorn walls and ceiling, all of which are totally touchable. FREE!
The new indoor screening series, Pictures Under The Palms At Brookfield Place, features “comfy seats, free popcorn and a pre-show DJ set by Tim Martell at 5:30 PM.” The series kicks off with James Gunn’s Guardians Of The Galaxy. FREE!
For this year’s Battle Of The Belgians, the organizers searched high and low to bring beer lovers a special selection of trappist beer. Sample over 20 beers and feast on a whole roasted hog, vegetarian options are available. $65.
Photo: Ben30/Flickr
4. New Spanish Tapas Bar
Lamano (Chelsea)
Monday to Thursday 5:00 PM through 11:00 PM; Friday 5:00 PM through 12:00 AM; Saturday 10:00 AM through 12:00 AM; Sunday 10:00 AM through 11:00 PM
New Spanish tapas bar in Chelsea is the perfect stop after a day of gallery hopping or shopping. Cozy up to a glass of Spanish wine and comfort tapas like the Pulpo Murcia, Tortilja or Pan con Tomate y Queso.
Those of us pining for the friendly Canadian shores can head to Dirt Candy where every Monday night the space turns into The Great Canadian Beer Hall. Enjoy Canadian pastimes like watching hockey, drinking Bloody Caesars and eating poutine. CIT0002E applications for Canadian citizenship will be available upon request.
If you are running out of good excuses to have a drink, stop by to the Meatpacking District where through the month of February $1 of select drinks will be donated to the ACLU. Now that’s a drink you can feel good about!
A singer-songwriter from Saskatchewan, Andy Shauf began his solo career with 2009’s Darker Days. 2015 was Andy’s break-out year as he signed with Epitaph Records off-shoot ANTI- and his single “Jenny Come Home” charted well in his native Canada. 2016 brought the release of The Party, which was a shortlisted finalist for the 2016 Polaris Music Prize, and led to Andy hitting the road as an opening act for The Lumineers.
In support of The Party, Andy will be playing a show at Brooklyn’s Rough Trade tonight, Dec. 7. While the Rough Trade show — which also features Chris Cohen — is already sold out, Andy already has a follow-up appearance booked at the Music Hall of Williamsburg for May 17. Tickets for the May gig go on-sale this Friday at 12:00 PM, and Julia Jacklin is scheduled to be Andy’s direct support act.
Downtown caught up with Andy for some Q&A over e-mail. More on Andy can be found on his website, www.andyshauf.com, while Andy himself has been known to be active on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York City? Where was it?
Andy Shauf: The first time I played in New York I was on a super-long tour with Chris Staples and we played at a place called Pete’s Candy Store. I remember someone coming up to me and showing me a tattoo that they had of my lyrics. That was pretty shocking.
AS: I don’t know if it feels that different to me. I usually expect no one to show up because there are so many things to do. And I usually just hope I’m not the one driving the van.
Have you ever run into someone from Saskatchewan while in New York?
AS: Colin Nealis on keys, Josh Daignault on bass and Olivier Fairfield on drums.
After this upcoming tour wraps, what is coming up for you?
AS: I’m gonna go to British Columbia to visit my family for the holidays.
Is there an accomplishment you are most proud of? The 2016 SOCAN Songwriting Prize and the 2016 Polaris Music Prize nominations?
AS: I think just finally finishing The Party after a few years of re-recording it and rearranging songs was satisfying. Nominations are a nice bonus, I guess.
Do you have a favorite song to perform live?
AS: “To You” has been a favorite on this last tour, and is still my favorite song from the record.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
AS: I am pretty much always busy with music, unless I’m sleeping. I like to play hockey on the outdoor rink when I can.
