S2, Ep9 – In conversation with Lydia Slater
1 December 2022
As Editor-in-Chief for Harper’s Bazaar UK, Lydia Slater is renowned for her work across the global publishing industry and has been involved with an incredibly impressive portfolio of titles throughout her career to date.
Dr Reena invites Lydia back to Harley Street to discuss her career journey across the dramatically changing landscape of magazines, luxury, and media, where her EIC role ensures unique access and full involvement across multiple channels. Giving us a behind the scenes insight into how she makes it work, listen in full to learn how Lydia is responsible for generating and editing content across print, digital, supplements in addition to the experiential offering.
Recognised across the industry for championing the careers trajectories of women, Dr Reena takes this episode back to the beginning, asking how it all began, any advice Lydia would give to those just starting out, and of course those investment items that she couldn’t live without.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Dr Reena kicked off the season two finale with a classic start, asking the prestigious Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar UK, Lydia Slater, about the beginnings of her remarkable career. Laughing warmly, Lydia shared that her first published work was at the age of four in her school magazine.
She vividly remembers the “sheer excitement” she felt seeing her work in print for the first time, and it was at that moment that Lydia knew she wanted to pursue a career in publishing. Fast forward to seventeen, and Lydia had her first professional piece published in Harper’s & Queen (the precursor to Harper’s Bazaar). She recalled being asked to contribute to a special teenage issue, where she wrote features—a “fantastically exciting” experience. This led Lydia to study journalism at university, where she entered the prestigious Vogue Talent Content, finishing second. Interestingly, her predecessor at Harper’s Bazaar, Justine Picardie, had also placed second in the same competition. This was the stepping stone that launched Lydia into the industry.
Starting in newspapers, Lydia worked at The Daily Mail, then The Daily Telegraph, before a brief stint as Features Editor at The Daily Express during a major transition period for the paper. It was then that she heard about an opening for Features Editor at Harper’s & Queen—a career game changer. Lydia loved the role, which marked her transition from newspapers to magazines.
Dr Reena highlighted the incredible trajectory of Lydia’s journey, from being published as a teenager in the very magazine she would one day lead. Lydia described Harper’s Bazaar as her “happy place,” noting how the publication blends history, culture, and empowerment for its female readers. “It’s the world’s first fashion magazine and the oldest in existence, but it also has a unique power to empower women,” she explained. Lydia also emphasised the magazine’s commitment to showcasing brilliant writers like Margaret Atwood and championing women photographers—a distinction no other British magazines specifically aim to achieve.
Editing Harper’s Bazaar is, for Lydia, “an incredible privilege.” With 150 years of iconic editors, including the legendary Diana Vreeland, she finds that what makes editing a magazine truly special is the ability to shape it into a title one would want to read.
As one of the industry’s most high-profile editors, Lydia admits that she faces constant challenges. Yet, she embraces these, knowing her role demands stepping out of her comfort zone. “Every day is a challenge, but it’s part of the job,” she says.
When asked about her proudest moments, Lydia reflects on her time at Harper’s Bazaar, where she helped launch the Bazaar at Work franchise. Originally a quarterly publication focused on fashion, it evolved into a monthly issue and eventually led to the creation of the Bazaar at Work Summit, a globally renowned annual conference. The first summit, which Lydia designed, marked a major milestone in her career.
Lydia credits much of her inspiration to the women around her, many of whom juggle demanding careers with family life. These women, including her predecessors, have been a constant source of guidance throughout her journey.
Combining fashion, art, and culture, Dr Reena is curious about Lydia’s favourite subjects to cover. For Lydia, the joy comes in covering a wide range of topics, surrounded by experts in their fields. The Harper’s Bazaar office, she says, is an exciting place to be, with a team that’s passionate about their work.
Lydia and Dr Reena then explore the similarities between their fast-paced, demanding industries. When asked about a typical day, Lydia laughs, explaining that there is no such thing. “My diary dictates my day hour by hour,” she says. Fashion month, for example, will see her racing between shows in Milan and Paris, attending dinners, private screenings, and endless meetings. Despite the hectic pace, Lydia wouldn’t have it any other way.
Interestingly, switching off is just as effortless for Lydia. She makes time to unwind, swapping screens for books, spending time in her garden, and enjoying moments with her children and dog. “You could go out every night, but you have to make time for family,” she says.
Finally, Lydia shares the three items she always keeps close when working at her desk: a scented candle (because she loves them), a cup of tea, and a Smythson desk diary. “Even on the craziest days, I can see my schedule laid out in front of me,” she says, always keeping one on hand.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Always say yes. Sometimes we hold ourselves back out of fear of making a mistake or looking foolish, but while that might happen occasionally, it could also be the start of something incredible.
Don’t be afraid of failure (“…or try really hard not to be, at least”).
Sometimes you need to just get on with it, especially when it comes to writing.
Surround yourself with the most inspiring people. I’ve been supported by some of the most inspiring women all along the way.
What I love about Bazaar is the vast range of subjects we cover. We work hard to present our readers with everything we find fascinating—whether it’s the Metaverse or Couture.
I am quite easily bored, and being bored is my biggest fear, so I celebrate a very busy diary.
Speaking to successful women and learning about their own routines can be incredibly helpful. It’s about keeping things in perspective—if a former prime minister can switch off, I’m sure I can too!
On restaurants: When it comes to places to go, it’s such a privilege to try so many new places through work. But when it comes to picking for myself, I prefer to turn to old favourites.
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