Dive deep into the enduring impact of Harper’s Bazaar’s September Icons Issue, exploring Beyoncé’s candid 2021 revelations on life, career, and new music, alongside the fresh faces and fashion statements of the 2023 edition, showcasing the magazine’s continuous celebration of cultural shapers.
Harper’s Bazaar’s annual Icons Issue has long been a landmark publication, celebrating individuals who not only define contemporary culture but also shape its future. Each September, the magazine spotlights figures whose influence extends across music, fashion, film, and activism, offering a rare glimpse into their lives and philosophies. These issues serve as a cultural barometer, capturing the essence of what it means to be an icon in a rapidly changing world.
Beyoncé’s 2021 Icons Issue: A Deep Dive into Evolution and Empowerment
In August 2021, ahead of her 40th birthday, the enigmatic Beyoncé graced three distinct covers of Harper’s Bazaar’s September 2021 Icons Issue. This rare and retrospective interview, titled “Beyoncé’s Evolution,” offered fans an intimate look into her journey, from a shy child dreaming big to a global superstar committed to self-preservation and creative freedom. She revealed a powerful philosophy regarding her public and private life, stating, “I’m grateful I have the ability to choose what I want to share . . . throughout my career, I’ve been intentional about setting boundaries between my stage persona and my personal life,” as reported by Harper’s Bazaar.
The fashion icon also unveiled her forthcoming Ivy Park Rodeo collection, an all-denim line inspired by her Houston roots and the often-overlooked history of the American Black cowboy. She explained her inspiration, noting, “This collection is a mixture of my childhood growing up in Texas and a bit of American history. I grew up going to the Houston rodeo every year.” This venture further demonstrated her commitment to infusing personal history and cultural narratives into her entrepreneurial endeavors.
Beyoncé’s interview delved into her professional sacrifices and milestones. She reflected on her demanding youth, focused solely on achieving her goals with Destiny’s Child, feeling the immense pressure “as a young black woman that I couldn’t mess up.” Her 20s saw her go solo and launch Parkwood Entertainment, a “multipurpose badass conglomerate” designed to prioritize art and creativity. By her 30s, family became paramount, inspiring genre-blurring works like Lemonade and Black Is King.
Looking ahead to her 40s, Beyoncé expressed a shift towards self-care and personal well-being. She shared her newfound appreciation for CBD, hemp, and honey, even revealing she has “hives on her roof.” This emphasis on health over past dietary pressures highlights a relatable evolution, as she focuses on “my peace of mind, the number of times I smile, what I’m feeding my mind and my body.” Fans were also thrilled to hear her promise of new music, having spent “a year and a half” in the studio, declaring, “Yes, the music is coming!” She envisioned a “renaissance emerging,” promising her 40s would be “fun and full of freedom.”
A New Generation of Icons: Harper’s Bazaar’s September 2023 Issue
Two years later, Harper’s Bazaar continued its tradition with the September 2023 Icons Issue, presenting a fresh tapestry of talent and diversity. This edition showcased not one, but three dazzling solo covers, featuring top model Kendall Jenner, the dynamic Doja Cat, and talented actor Paul Mescal. These figures, brought to life through the masterful lens of Mario Sorrenti, represented the modern-day iconic figures shaping culture across various fields, as detailed by Harper’s Bazaar.
The cover looks were a testament to contemporary high fashion:
- Kendall Jenner mesmerized in a chic Miu Miu knit, briefs, and tights.
- Doja Cat exuded a blend of sultry and elegance in a Dolce & Gabbana jacket, dress, and briefs.
- Paul Mescal completed the trio, charming in a classic Gucci trench coat and T-shirt.
All three were adorned with dazzling jewelry from Cartier, solidifying their status as style mavens.
Beyond the covers, the 2023 issue featured a stellar lineup of influential figures within its pages. This diverse roster included visionary writer/director Nia DaCosta, captivating actress Golshifteh Farahani, choreographic maestros Parris Goebel and James Whiteside, and political activists Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson. The list further extended to model and activist Zaya Wade, enthralling Greta Lee, and inspiring talents such as writer Leila Mottley, basketball player Angel Reese, and singer/actress Teyana Taylor. Curated by stylists Beat Bolliger and Edward Bowleg III, the edition showcased eclectic selections from powerhouse brands like Balenciaga, Prada, and Alexander McQueen.
Celebrating Artistry: A Toast to the Icons Issue with Dover Street Market
The influence of Harper’s Bazaar’s Icons Issue extends beyond its pages, often culminating in celebrations that bring together the industry’s most exciting creatives. Amidst the fanfare of Paris Fashion Week, on October 10, 2025, Harper’s Bazaar partnered with specialty store Dover Street Market to host an intimate cocktail party. This event toasted an Icons Issue and a feature on the lauded store, fostering discussions on fashion and artistry in Paris’s stylish Marais neighborhood.
The soirée, attended by Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Samira Nasr and president of Dover Street Market International Adrian Joffe, gathered notable guests. Photographers Wolfgang Tillmans, Paolo Roversi, and Joshua Woods mingled with designers such as Simone Rocha, Kei Ninomiya of Noir Kei Ninomiya, Aaron Esh, Talia Byre, and Matières Fécales’ Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran. This collaboration underscored the shared ethos of both institutions: to champion creativity and spotlight talent making an indelible mark on culture, as detailed by AOL’s coverage of the event.
The Enduring Significance of the Icons Issue
From the introspective journey of Beyoncé in 2021 to the diverse roster of cultural trailblazers in 2023, and the vibrant industry gatherings, Harper’s Bazaar’s Icons Issue remains a powerful platform. It not only chronicles the achievements of contemporary figures but also inspires a global audience, constantly reminding us of the myriad ways in which icons shape our world. The annual tradition reinforces the magazine’s role as a tastemaker and a chronicler of profound cultural shifts.
