Harper’s Bazaar rolls out India edition

Hearst Corporation, along with the India Today Group, has launched Harper’s Bazaar India with an initial print run of 50,000 copies. The title will join Hearst’s growing portfolio of women’s titles in India including Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan, also distributed by the India Today Group. The India edition is the 29th edition of Harper’s Bazaar the world over.

Former journalist and stylist Sujata Assomull has been appointed the editor and will report to Mala Sekhri, CEO, lifestyle division, India Today Group.

Priced at Rs 100, the 220-page launch issue features Kareena Kapoor on a unique metallic cover embellished with Swarovski crystals. The magazine has traditionally targeted fashion-focused thirty-plus women with a mind and a disposable income of their own. “We see our readers as upmarket Indian women with global minds who like to be well dressed,” said Sekhri. “Indian women are very stylish and our magazine just complements their personal styles.”

Advertisers in the March issue include Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, TOD’s, Bvlgari, Armani and Gucci.

“Advertisers buy into the brand legacy of Harper’s Bazaar that delivers on all fronts,” said Sekhri.

The India Today Group has launched an aggressive sampling and subscription drive for the new title.

Harper’s Bazaar will compete with Vogue and Elle, the other two titles in the luxury fashion space in India.