Sharon Becker has been appointed as the new Fashion Director of the South African edition of leading fashion and beauty title, Marie Claire magazine. Sharon will join the magazine on 1 February 2010, one month after newly-appointed Editor, Aspasia Karras.

“We are very excited to welcome Sharon to Marie Claire magazine,” says Vanessa Raphaely, Editorial Director of Associated Magazines, “Sharon has the depth of glossy magazine experience to assist the new Editor and the rest of the team in reinforcing Marie Claire’s position as the premium fashion magazine in South Africa.”

Laurence Hembert, Executive Director of international editions of Marie Claire, adds: “It is good to have Sharon back at Marie Claire. Her expertise in fashion will be a great asset to Marie Claire South Africa.”

Becker started her career in fashion journalism at Marie Claire magazine in 2000 as fashion assistant. Since then she has worked on local glossies, Glamour and later ELLE, where she held the position of senior fashion editor. Sharon was recently nominated for two Sanlam SA Fashion Journalism Awards.

“Coming back to Marie Claire is like returning home,” says Sharon. “I cut my teeth at the magazine nine years ago and I'm really proud to be rejoining the team as it moves in such an exciting direction. I'm looking forward to working closely with our wonderful local talent and helping create fresh and inspiring fashion pages.”