Harper's Bazaar February 2023

DREAMS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF FASHION, and living them out is the most stylish form of self-actualization. At times—recent ones, for example—simply getting dressed might have seemed like an extraordinary act of optimism. Fashion, though, is rarely about where we are; it’s about where we want to go. That’s why so many designers are dreamers—imagineers of inspiration, hope, ambition, and desire. Dreams can be a source of joy and motivation, a mission and a determination, a test of strength and will. As the late Virgil Abloh once proffered, “Dreams come true when you don’t sleep”—a tweet-maxim that has no doubt inspired millions to dream bigger (and sleep less) than they have before. We’re often drawn to people with big dreams, and it’s not too difficult to understand why: Dreamers…

A little over eight years ago, when my son was barely a year old, I was sent to L.A. with Yashua Simmons, who was then my assistant, to style a series of covers for a fashion publication. As a new mother, I brought my son everywhere, so I needed a second assistant to not only assist with the shoot but also help watch my son on set. Yashua somehow got connected with a young woman named Quinta Brunson, who had recently moved to Los Angeles from Philadelphia. She was working part-time at an Apple store while pursuing a career in comedy and looking for extra work on the side. I remember our first morning together, Quinta took the bus to meet us. She had no experience working in fashion, but…

The five-time Grammy Award–winning singer, songwriter, and keyboardist, who has lived the American rock ’n’ roll dream as an erstwhile member of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, is a true master of collaboration and cross-genre experimentation. Along with releasing 12 solo albums, he has worked with everyone from Aretha Franklin and Joni Mitchell to Thundercat and Van Halen. In 2019, the Doobies asked McDonald if he’d join for a 50th-anniversary tour, which was delayed until 2022 due to the pandemic. “It was an easy yes for me,” says McDonald, who will embark with the band on the Australian leg in April. “It was always fun playing with the Doobies, and it’s a great group of people,” he continues. “We learned early on that the most important part of our…

1 REVEL IN RIHANNA’S RETURN After a five-year hiatus from performing, RiRi is set to ride once again on February 12 as the headliner for the halftime show at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona. 2 LAYER YOUR MIDI DRESS Make a shin-grazing style work in cooler weather by wearing it over pants in a similar hue and material, as seen at Chloé, Alberta Ferretti, and Blumarine. 3 SUPPORT ARTISTS ON THE RISE Invest in the next wave of talent with Otentu, a new online marketplace that helps burgeoning creatives sell their work and gain exposure. The platform allows art and design students and recent graduates to list their pieces in a curated environment, with guidance on marketing and pricing from experienced advisers. 4 CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE…

THOMAS GIDDINGS PHOTOGRAPHER: In Conversation: Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph, page 48 “The limitations of the last few years have made me more appreciative of the joy that comes from spontaneity and the freedom to travel, discover, and connect with the people who mean the most to me.” DURGA CHEW-BOSE WRITER: “Flotation Devices,” page 52 “I’m not very good at looking for joy; that’s why I chose to write about joy. I’m not very comfortable around big ideas, so I found joy in various details that occupy my everyday: our home in the evening when we turn on a combination of lamps, my son’s singing, a movie I love because its ending is the opposite of perfect.” AMY TROOST COVER-STORY PHOTOGRAPHER: “Long Game,” page 71 “Kids, family, friends, inspiration,…

WHY DON’T YOU…? Dress it up with a chunky LINKED CHOKER.…