Letter From An Ex BAZAAR Editor: Giselle Go
"To this day, my years at Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore remain one of the most formative of experiences, running parallel to when I was navigating my 20s.'
Giselle Go (Photo: Courtesy)
I started at Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore as Editor in early February 2008. It was an absolute dream to work at this prolific title. I grew up poring over the American edition’s Fabien Baron-designed glossy pages as a child in the Philippines. To have been offered this particular role at age 26 was truly special.
I moved from Manila to Singapore. The contrast between the two cities couldn’t have been more apparent. From the congested streets of Manila to the pristine ones of the Lion City with high-rises, the close-knit social circles of Manila to the cultural melting pot of Singapore, it was an experience of multiplicity—both challenging and satisfying—that was amplified by the insatiable needs of BAZAAR.
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Cindy Crawford on the September 2011 cover. (Photo: Harper's BAZAAR Singapore)
I spent four years at the helm—an intense experience punctuated by chic fashion events in cities around the world and late nights spent at the Havelock Road office, scrambling to meet deadlines (when lunch was greasy pork chop rice from the auntie’s stall on the second floor!). Being away from family, a makeshift one fell into place. I have fond memories of the team, especially Kenneth, Daphne and Windy, who remain with the title to this day. A lot of my favourite visuals happen to be produced specifically by this wonderfully creative trio, the true backbone of the magazine.
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Photo: Georges Antoni
Shot by Georges Antoni and styled by Kenneth Goh for the August 2008 issue, high fashion makes its way across Singapore to places such as East Coast Park and an MRT cabin. (Photo: Georges Antoni)
Just to name a few: An August spread lensed by Georges Antoni, a collections story shot entirely in Singapore; Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and Gucci photographed at a hawker centre, a train and an HDB—a love letter to the country I came to call home; a Chanel couture spread in Shanghai with Chinese beauty Sun Fei Fei—which I love because it was photographed by one of our frequent Singaporean collaborators Gan. And finally, a September double cover with Cindy Crawford in Louis Vuitton. Need I say more?
Sun Fei Fei, shot by regular contributing photographer Gan in Shanghai, June 2011. (Photo: Gan)
To this day, my years at Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore remain one of the most formative of experiences, running parallel to when I was navigating my 20s. The Harper’s BAZAAR: Greatest Hits tome, a gift from Kenneth and the team, still sits on my coffee table in Tokyo today. What a pleasure to have been witness to how far the magazine—and the greater industry—has grown since. Inclusivity, sustainability and open discussions around mental health—this increased awareness is now part of today’s fashion vernacular.
To Kenneth and the incredible team at Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore, a huge congratulations. I continue to be in awe at the heart and work that goes into every issue. Here’s to 20 years and even greater things to come!
Giselle Go was editor of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore from 2008 to 2012.