Samira Nasr's March Editor's Letter: What Does Legacy Mean Now?

In this month's issue, some of our favorite artists and writers—from Ottessa Moshfegh to Margaret Atwood to Michaela Coel—consider how to leave a mark.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In her March editor's letter, Samira Nasr reflects on what legacy means today, noting that it may be less about distance between generations and more about having a voice and allowing its shape to be defined by others. She highlights a group of writers whose work has resonated deeply across generations, including Jhumpa Lahiri, Margaret Atwood, Jesmyn Ward, Joyce Carol Oates, and Ottessa Moshfegh. Nasr also discusses the magazine's cover star, Michaela Coel, and the legacy of furniture designer George Nakashima, whose work is being carried on by his daughter Mira.

Why it matters

Nasr's editor's letter explores how the traditional notion of legacy is evolving, with a focus on the power of voice and allowing one's work to take on new meaning through the lens of each reader or viewer. By highlighting a diverse group of acclaimed writers and artists, the letter underscores the enduring impact that creative voices can have across generations.

The details

In the letter, Nasr shares a quote from an interview with author Jhumpa Lahiri, who says, "The goal isn't to be happy with my voice. What I want is simply to have one." This sentiment captures the essence of Nasr's exploration of legacy, which she sees as less about intentionally leaving something behind and more about the act of creating and allowing one's work to resonate. Nasr also discusses her excitement about featuring writer and performer Michaela Coel, known for her challenging and groundbreaking work, as well as the legacy of furniture designer George Nakashima, whose daughter Mira has carried on his craft for the past 35 years.

  • The March issue of Harper's Bazaar was published on February 19, 2026.

The players

Samira Nasr

The editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar.

Jhumpa Lahiri

An acclaimed novelist whose work has resonated deeply across generations.

Margaret Atwood

A renowned novelist whose work is featured in the magazine's Legacy issue.

Michaela Coel

A writer and performer who was photographed for the magazine's cover and is known for her challenging and groundbreaking work.

George Nakashima

A renowned furniture designer whose legacy is being carried on by his daughter, Mira Nakashima.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The goal isn't to be happy with my voice. What I want is simply to have one.”

— Jhumpa Lahiri (The Paris Review)

“I think that is why I will always read novels: to win at the life of the mind, to have an everyday epiphany, to build another story.”

— Kaitlyn Greenidge, Features Director, Harper's Bazaar (Harper's Bazaar)

“There's a ruthlessness to this stuff. I'm aggressively in pursuit of the truth, and that can be very tough.”

— Michaela Coel (Harper's Bazaar)

“I never thought much about me. I just sort of did what there was to do and tried to do it as well as possible.”

— Mira Nakashima (Harper's Bazaar)

The takeaway

Nasr's editor's letter explores how the traditional notion of legacy is evolving, with a focus on the power of voice and allowing one's work to take on new meaning through the lens of each reader or viewer. By highlighting a diverse group of acclaimed writers and artists, the letter underscores the enduring impact that creative voices can have across generations.