Huma Abedin: Back In Black

Huma Abedin is one of those fascinating anomalies: a famous person who is neither fully a public figure, nor a private citizen. In fact, in 2016 she may have been the best-known person who skirted the spotlight.

These days she is promoting a new memoir, “Both/And.” I wasn’t sure what to expect from such an enigmatic figure, but she arrived at the studio on time and all smiles. She has a relaxed and social demeanor, her presence shifting the room from professional and quiet to warm and filled with laughter.

Our time was tight so right away I asked Huma if she would try on some of the wardrobe.

Among the options was a dynamic yellow outfit that aligned nicely with the Guardian Saturday Magazine request of “yellow, on blue seamless.” I wanted it to work, but when I walked into the styling area Huma immediately said, “You don’t like it.” 

It looked good enough, but Huma is a style icon and deservedly so, and I thought we could do better. Although she’s known for her sense of color and prints, I was drawn to the simple black outfits brought by her stylist Bailey Moon.

Looking at the next piece on her I brought my best Poker Face. “Still not happy, eh?” she said teasingly. Her years of working alongside world-class players like Hillary Clinton have clearly made her very good at reading people.

As she stepped back behind the partition to change into a different black outfit she looked at me with a laugh, “You haven’t read my book yet have you? I have a whole section on why I don’t wear black.”

She graciously wore it nonetheless - and it’s killer! My favorite frame from this set-up landed as the magazine’s cover.

Top Image: The Guardian Saturday cover. Dress: Michael Kors. Earrings: Briony Raymond.

Second Image: Directing the talent. Photo by Katya Fine.

Bottom Image: Surprising well taken care of.