Hearst magazine’s Harpers Bazaar returning to Australia
Hearst Magazines International has announced that Harper’s Bazaar will relaunch its iconic glossy magazine in Australia.
The debut issue of Harper’s Bazaar Australia, a special collector’s edition, will hit newsstands in September 2021.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and plummeting ad sales, Bauer Media, now Are Media, announced in July last year that the magazine, along with seven other magazine titles were being closed.
Switzer Media & Publishing, a Sydney and Melbourne-based media company, will lead sales, marketing, and brand strategy for Harper’s Bazaar Australia, which will be overseen by publisher Maureen Jordan.
“To be appointed publisher of this 154-year-old iconic fashion bible is a great honour,” Jordan said.
“Bazaar has been missed by its loyal following in Australia in recent times and not only are we excited about its relaunch, we are passionate about collaborating with Hearst Magazines as we understand and redefine our readers’ expectations.”
Maureen Jordan, Switzer Media and Harpers Bazaar publisher
To assist with the relaunch, Jordan will conduct the search for a number of key creative positions, including editor in chief of the brand.
While no one has been confirmed for the editor position, it’s believed the magazine’s most recent editor-in-chief, Eugenie Kelly is likely to be reappointed.
The first edition of Harper’s was published in Australia in 1998 by Packer family’s Australia Consolidated Press Group and remained on shelves for over 20 years, throughout a number of different owners.
Harpers Bazaar 150 years cover
“We could not be more excited to have Harper’s Bazaar re-enter the Australian market with such an esteemed publisher, Switzer Media & Publishing,” senior vice president, editorial and brand director of Hearst Magazines International, Kim St. Clair Bodden, said.
“This alliance, headed by Maureen Jordan, underscores our desire and commitment to return this venerable brand to new heights of acclaim.”
The magazine has 30 editions around the world and is published in 22 languages.
