Interview: Harper’s Bazaar Sujata Assomull
Our reporter Hamant Verma caught up with Sujata Assomull, the editor of Harper�۪s Bazaar India and one of country�۪s leading fashion experts, for an interview for BizAsia.co.uk.
Assomull has extensive experience in the field of fashion journalism and has lent her expertise as a consultant to some of the most sought after luxury brands.
She leads a team based in New Delhi, with a strong fashion and beauty team working out of Mumbai.
What distinguishes Harper’s India from the US version?
Harper�۪s Bazaar has a format which is easily adaptable to any market. Bazaar India carries the tagline ‘Where fashion gets personal’ and is relevant to the Indian woman of today ��� one who can flaunt an LBD as confidently as she can carry off a sari. Every Indian woman feels an instant connect with BAZAAR as it is a reflection of their personal style. It celebrates the individuality of the Indian woman – a woman who uses her personality creatively to make a statement.
There is a seamless transition in the magazine, unique to Bazaar that has caught the eye of many women across India and we strive to continue in our endeavours to maintain our position as the ultimate fashion encyclopedia.
How has the magazine been received in India, especially as its high society is arguably more conservative than in America?
The magazine has been received with open arms by the consumers as a refreshing change. The response from consumers and advertisers has been overwhelming.
What is the best thing and worst thing about managing Harper’s in India?
For me as an editor of Harper�۪s Bazaar India, every moment of editing the magazine is memorable. It is like falling in love with fashion and luxury all over again. It is creativity at its best. The feeling is exhilarating.
I wouldn�۪t say there is anything ‘worst’ about being with Harper�۪s Bazaar, Everything about Bazaar is fabulous. but yes; we at Bazaar will have to match and maintain the exacting standards set by its cousins around the world.
Which celebrities are sales winners for Harper’s in India at the moment and why?
All our cover girls and women that we have featured in our magazine are apologetically Indian in their outlook and style. They have never shied away from carrying their Indianness on their sleeves! Bazaar raises a toast to all such women, celebrities or otherwise. We celebrate women who have understood the meaning of personal style!
Which British Asian celebrities excite Harper’s, if any?
Laila Rouass, whose acting career has done so well like wise Ayesha Dharker also within the field— beauticians like Vishali Patel, in fashion chic boutique owner Anu Mirchandani designer Ashish Gupta etc Also other spirited and successful women Meera Syal, Madhu Jafferry, Anjum Anand (who we featured in our first issue)— England has has really become an extension of India!After all chicken curry is meant to be it�۪s national dish!
