Former Harper’s Bazaar editor Kellie Hush has expressed concerns over the closure of prominent fashion mastheads in Australia.
Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle will cease producing local editions under new owner Mercury Capital.
The move, announced as part of a broader publication cull, was blamed on the impact of COVID-19 on the advertising market.
Hush said she has deep concerns around the broader implications for creativity, media diversity and employment.
“This is more than a media story, these magazines support the entire fashion industry,” she told ragtrader.com.au.
“The network of photographers, illustrators, stylists and artists who collaborate on these titles is significant.
“How many talented creatives have gone on to work globally after being discovered here?”
Hush said media competition is also crucial to fostering diversity.
With a consolidation in Australia's fashion media landscape, she warned there would be more than economic consequences.
"We have lost a piece of Australian lifestyle and culture," Hush said.
While titles such as Harper’s Bazaar are reliant on an advertising revenue model, she is confident of a post-pandemic resurgence.
“There’s no doubt it takes a lot of guts to trade through challenging times and business is hard.
“But the luxury brands which have pulled advertising during COVID-19 will return to spend, they are not set to close their doors in Australia.
“There are other publications which have been able to pivot during this period.”
With the news of the three closures today, Hush believes the door is now “wide open” to forward-thinking media owners and disrupters.
"Looking at it from a different perspective, there is now an opportunity for independent magazines and digital businesses to come to the table.”
Hush cited Eleanor Pendleton’s ‘Gritty Pretty’ as an example of smaller, agile operators creating leading lifestyle content.
“Australian audiences want local content, with local voices and a local point of view,” she said.
Mercury Capital shuttered eight tiles as part of its cull of the Bauer Media division, including Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, InStyle, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Good Health, NW and OK!
The titles temporarily paused production in May during nation-wide lockdowns, with publications on track to deliver future editions.
Bauer Media AUNZ CEO Brendon Hill said disruption has been a key factor in the decision.
“It has been a challenging time for Bauer and our team with exciting highs and devastating lows in recent months.
“We were delighted to acquire Pacific Magazines in May and were thrilled to recently announce a new future under Mercury Capital.
“However, these positive changes have taken place amidst an unexpected, uncertain and unrelenting economic downturn.
"No one could have anticipated the swift, widespread and ongoing impact of the pandemic on our business and industry.”
Reporting: Assia Benmedjdoub