Prisma Media, a renowned French magazine publishing group, has recently announced its plans to launch the French edition of Harper’s Bazaar, a beloved women’s fashion magazine from the United States. This exciting development is set to take place in March 2023 and marks the second attempt to introduce Harper’s Bazaar to the French market, following a failed effort by the Marie-Claire group nearly a decade ago.
Prisma Media has obtained a license from Hearst Magazines International, the American parent company of Harper’s Bazaar, which grants them the permission to bring the iconic brand to France. The launch of Harper’s Bazaar in France will encompass not only a print magazine but also a website and a strong social media presence, ensuring that the brand can reach a wide range of audiences.
Known for its diverse magazine portfolio that includes popular titles such as Télé-Loisirs, Voici, Femme Actuelle, Geo, Capital, and Gala, Prisma Media aims to position Harper’s Bazaar as the leading authority in luxury and fashion in France. Their goal is to cater to a broad audience of design enthusiasts who are deeply interested in the latest trends and developments in the world of fashion.
The French edition of Harper’s Bazaar will be released ten times a year and will be spearheaded by Matthias Gurtler, the former editor of Gala, who will take on the role of editorial director. Olivier Lalanne, previously associated with esteemed publications like GQ and Vogue Homme France, has been appointed as the editor-in-chief.
In addition to bringing Harper’s Bazaar to France, Prisma Media has plans to launch two more magazines next year. One of these publications will focus on youth-related topics, while the other will center around personal development. Claire Leost, the president of Prisma Media, revealed these ambitious plans during an interview with Le Figaro newspaper. She also addressed concerns regarding Vivendi, the parent company of Prisma Media, and its alleged interference in the editorial offices of the group. Leost firmly denied these claims, considering them as false information and emphasized Prisma Media’s commitment to editorial independence by introducing a code of conduct across all its magazines.
When it comes to the recent resignations of several journalists at Prisma Media, Leost clarified that these departures were a result of the introduction of a voluntary redundancy plan. This plan was implemented for the first time in the history of the group and provided long-term employees nearing retirement or seeking new opportunities with the option to leave the company with appropriate compensation. Leost stressed that this decision was not forced but rather an opportunity for employees to explore new paths in their careers.
Following Prisma Media’s acquisition by Vivendi in 2021, led by billionaire Vincent Bolloré, the group has undergone significant transformations. As part of this overhaul, the company aims to streamline its operations and maintain the integrity of its magazines. The introduction of Harper’s Bazaar in France signifies a new chapter in Prisma Media’s evolving portfolio as it adapts to the ever-changing media landscape.
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