ITP Media Group (ITP) is to launch Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire in Saudi Arabia from March 2021.
The seasonal editions are the first international luxury fashion and lifestyle magazines to debut in the country.
The imminent launch opens a new chapter for the luxury fashion and creative industries in Saudi, where the publications are designed to not just inspire, reflect and report on, but support the country they are dedicated to.
Her Highness Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud, a leading member of the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission, said: “I am excited that fashion publishing in the kingdom increases opportunities for cultural professionals and will lead to more jobs for writers, photographers, stylists, art directors and graphic designers.
“Fashion publishing has the potential to be a strong platform upon which to narrate the story of Saudi’s homegrown fashion talents, and encourage cultural exchange. Using fashion as a lens through which to examine the beauty and history of this country will inspire people both at home and abroad.”
As recently reported by the General Authority for Statistics (GSAT), Saudi Arabia has one of the youngest populations in the world with two thirds under the age of 35. Harper’s Bazaar Saudi and Esquire Saudi will reflect this by offering a fresh and dynamic take on fashion and culture, yet will continue to champion the in-depth reporting and features that both titles are famed for.
The kingdom is undergoing a rapid evolution and transformation with the creation of sweeping new reforms and policies in-line with Vision 2030, which is modernising Saudi Arabia socially, culturally and economically.
Sue Holt, managing director of ITP Media Group Saudi, said: “I met Her Highness Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud in 2018 to discuss launching the first internationally acclaimed fashion magazines specifically for the Saudi Arabian market and am excited that this discussion has now become a reality.
“At ITP Media Group we are immensely proud to be part of this historic movement in one of the world’s youngest and most rapidly evolving countries. To be able to showcase and celebrate the creative people there through our media is an absolute honour and we look forward to Harper’s Bazaar Saudi and Esquire Saudi helping to unearth previously unseen talent and to tell the stories of the many people that deserve to be recognised.”
The launch will be accompanied by a series of exclusive private events throughout the year, including luxury VIP soirées, hosted dinners and practical workshops from global experts in the fashion industry.
Harper’s Bazaar Saudi and Esquire Saudi will be bi-lingual with a heavy emphasis on digital across multi-platforms to reflect the consumption habits of their audiences. Seasonal print editions will be distributed to VIPs, including royal family members, HNWIs and the KSA fashion and creative community. It will be available at select hotels, salons and spas plus on main news stands.
A dedicated ITP editorial team is based in Riyadh working with Saudi Arabian contributors, stylists, photographers and content creators, all overseen by the respective group editor-in-chiefs of Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire GCC, Olivia Phillips and Matthew Baxter-Priest.
Harper’s Bazaar Saudi and Esquire Saudi are one of the first media brands to be launched in the kingdom under the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) license agreements. ITP Media Group already publishes Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire editions across the GCC.
@HarpersBazaarArabia on Instagram
@HarpersBazaarArabia on Facebook
@EsquireMiddleEast on Facebook
@EsquireMiddleEast on Instagram
For further information please contact:
Marne Schwartz, General Manager, ITP Luxury Fashion Group
+971 4 444 3595
Majed Telmesani, Manager, ITP Media Saudi
+966 54683 7977
Farrah Taylor, Brand Director, Harper’s Bazaar / Esquire GCC
+971 50 151 1575
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