Glenda Bailey
Former Editor-in-Chief, Harper’s Bazaar US
She transformed Harper’s Bazaar into a sophisticated title with dynamic shoots of dressed-up celebrities in unexpected situations.
As editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, British-born journalist Glenda Bailey garnered international acclaim for her vision. Combining high fashion with intelligent in-depth features, her editorial approach has marked the magazine as one of the most prominent fashion publications in the world.
Appointed to the role in 2001 — having served as editor-in-chief of the US edition of Marie Claire since 1996 — Bailey’s directional leadership played a pivotal role in steering the magazine through the financial downturn in 2008. She entered into a unique partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, connecting the worlds of content and commerce and launched an e-commerce site ShopBazaar.com, in collaboration with Yoox.com.
A fashion design graduate of Kingston University, Bailey’s final year dissertation on the IPC Magazine publishing group. introduced the young creative to the concept of fashion journalism. Following a brief stint as a design assistant for Guisi Slaverio, she landed her first role as editor for British magazine Honey. Despite having no previous editorial experience, Bailey, through a series of meetings with IPC director Colin Reeves-Smith, followed her appointment at Honey with a role at the publication company’s newly launched Folio magazine and in 1988 played an instrumental role in the launch of the British version of French fashion magazine Marie Claire. By the mid-90s Marie Claire had become one of the most popular publications in Britain, with a circulation of over 450,000.
The established editor has received a number of industry accolades throughout her illustrious career, including several ASME awards and in 2008, an MBE in recognition of her services in journalism and fashion. While serving at the helm of Marie Claire, Bailey was also presented with two successive awards as "Women’s Magazine Editor of the Year" and "Editor’s Editor of the Year," along with several consumer magazine awards and recognition from Amnesty International for her dedicated coverage of human rights affairs.
At the start of 2019, Bailey was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
In January 2020, it was announced that she will step down as editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar, while staying on at Hearst as a full-time global consultant for international editions of the title.
Career History
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A Reckoning and Reboot for Fashion Media
As anti-racism protests spread from the streets to the corridors of powerful magazines like Vogue, the appointment of Samira Nasr, the first woman of colour to run Harper’s Bazaar, may offer a path forward.
A Reckoning and Reboot for Fashion Media
As anti-racism protests spread from the streets to the corridors of powerful magazines like Vogue, the appointment of Samira Nasr, the first woman of colour to run Harper’s Bazaar, may offer a path forward.
Power Moves | Hearst Names Samira Nasr Editor-In-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar, Munroe Bergdorf Joins L’Oréal in D&I Role
This week Harper’s Bazaar appointed its first black editor in the magazine’s 153-year history, while beauty giant L’Oréal announced the transgender model will consult on its diversity and inclusion advisory board.
Power Moves | Hearst Names Samira Nasr Editor-In-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar, Munroe Bergdorf Joins L’Oréal in D&I Role
This week Harper’s Bazaar appointed its first black editor in the magazine’s 153-year history, while beauty giant L’Oréal announced the transgender model will consult on its diversity and inclusion advisory board.
Hearst Is Still Searching for an Editor for Harper’s Bazaar. Here’s Why.
Print’s challenges might not matter to some who dream of following in the footsteps of Liz Tilberis and Glenda Bailey. But many of today’s editors have other aspirations.
Hearst Is Still Searching for an Editor for Harper’s Bazaar. Here’s Why.
Print’s challenges might not matter to some who dream of following in the footsteps of Liz Tilberis and Glenda Bailey. But many of today’s editors have other aspirations.
How Amazon Could Upend the Luxury Fashion Sector
The e-commerce giant enters a crowded field of digital luxury players. But to brands, it offers two invaluable assets: an unparalleled logistics capability and 100 million Prime members.
How Amazon Could Upend the Luxury Fashion Sector
The e-commerce giant enters a crowded field of digital luxury players. But to brands, it offers two invaluable assets: an unparalleled logistics capability and 100 million Prime members.
Power Moves | Karla Otto Announces Co-CEOs, Valentino Names Chief Brand Officer
This week, Karla Otto is succeeded at her eponymous PR label by co-CEOs, while Valentino appoints its first chief brand officer.
Power Moves | Karla Otto Announces Co-CEOs, Valentino Names Chief Brand Officer
This week, Karla Otto is succeeded at her eponymous PR label by co-CEOs, while Valentino appoints its first chief brand officer.
Glenda Bailey Steps Down as Editor-in-Chief of Harper's Bazaar
She will remain with Hearst in a full-time position as global consultant for the magazine.
Glenda Bailey Steps Down as Editor-in-Chief of Harper's Bazaar
She will remain with Hearst in a full-time position as global consultant for the magazine.
Introducing the Gamechangers Speaking at VOICES 2019
Gabriela Hearst, Matthew Williams, Omoyemi Akerele, Hans Ulrich Obrist and Jefferson Hack are among an exciting line-up of speakers at BoF's Annual Gathering for Big Thinkers to be held in Oxfordshire, UK in November 2019.
Introducing the Gamechangers Speaking at VOICES 2019
Gabriela Hearst, Matthew Williams, Omoyemi Akerele, Hans Ulrich Obrist and Jefferson Hack are among an exciting line-up of speakers at BoF's Annual Gathering for Big Thinkers to be held in Oxfordshire, UK in November 2019.
New York’s Other Fashion Week
Monday’s Met Gala anchored a week as packed with marquee fashion events as any New York Fashion Week.
New York’s Other Fashion Week
Monday’s Met Gala anchored a week as packed with marquee fashion events as any New York Fashion Week.
LVMH Announces Nine Finalists for 2018 Prize
A-Cold-Wall, Charles Jeffrey Loverboy and Eckhaus Latta are among the finalists for the fifth annual LVMH Prize, the winner of which will receive €300,000 and a year-long mentorship.
LVMH Announces Nine Finalists for 2018 Prize
A-Cold-Wall, Charles Jeffrey Loverboy and Eckhaus Latta are among the finalists for the fifth annual LVMH Prize, the winner of which will receive €300,000 and a year-long mentorship.
Why American Express Is Evolving its Fashion Strategy
On the back of events with Drake, Virgil Abloh, Opening Ceremony and Made LA, American Express’s Janey Whiteside tells BoF how fashion’s rising cultural significance with consumers is informing its collaboration strategy.
Why American Express Is Evolving its Fashion Strategy
On the back of events with Drake, Virgil Abloh, Opening Ceremony and Made LA, American Express’s Janey Whiteside tells BoF how fashion’s rising cultural significance with consumers is informing its collaboration strategy.
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
