Glenda Bailey Steps Down as Editor in Chief of 'Harper's Bazaar'
She's transitioning into a "global consultant" role at the title.
After nearly two decades in the influential role, Dame Glenda Bailey is stepping down as editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar U.S., Hearst announced Wednesday.
She's not leaving the brand entirely: Effective March 1, Bailey will take on the title of global consultant, working as Hearst's liaison with the 29 global editions of Harper's BAZAAR. A successor, who Bailey will help identify, has not yet been named.
"I've wanted Bazaar to be a party that everyone is invited to, and I thank my incredibly talented team for helping me do just that," Bailey said in a statement. "Fashion and beauty are my career and my hobby—there’s nothing that inspires me more. With the exhibition ["Harper’s Bazaar: First in Fashion" opening Feb. 28 at the at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs] opening during Paris Fashion Week, the timing is perfect for a new adventure. I'm looking forward to working with brands to find creative solutions and with our global editors to learn about their audiences and devise ways to surprise and delight them.”
Bailey obviously has a strong legacy at the title after almost 19 years, presiding over some of the most memorable covers and editorials in magazine history, from Rihanna inside a shark to Demi Moore with the giraffe.
"Glenda Bailey’s Harper's Bazaar has been a powerful voice for fashion innovation around the world," said Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz. "We are so pleased that she will remain with Hearst as she transitions to a role of global fashion thought leader and brand ambassador for Harper's Bazaar."
"Glenda's mark on the Bazaar brand is indelible and her contributions immeasurable," added Hearst Magazines President Troy Young. "She's passionate about fashion as both entertainment and high art, and we're happy to be able to access her creativity and imagination for our global editions."
Bailey's departure is the latest in a series of high-profile masthead changes at legacy fashion titles that are grappling with a new era in media.
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