Fashion Magazine Research- Harper's Bazaar

Harper’s Bazaar made its debut in America in 1867, founded by Harper & Brothers and is renowned as being America’s first fashion magazine. When it was first publicised, it was a weekly magazine with the target audience of middle and upper class women and showcased fashions from Paris and Germany in a news paper format. It became issued monthly in 1901. 

First issue of Harper's Bazaar 1867

Fashion editor Carmel Snow and fashion photographer Martin Munkacsi made fashion history at Harper’s Bazaar when they revolutionised the way fashion garments were modelled for their covers in 1933. Instead of using illustrations and carefully placed mannequins, Munkacsi photographed the model running towards the camera. This was  revolutionary shoot that changed the way fashion articles were advertised and the way models were portrayed- he made the women 'real', lovable and fun for the first time by catching a moment of happiness and movement in her face, body and clothing. 

Lucille Brokaw, photographed by Martin Munkacsi for Harper's Bazaar, Dec 1933

Harper’s Bazaar began writing about fashion and literature and little has changed, with their main focus being art and fashion as they believe fashion and art are neutral bedfellows as they both rely on beauty and emotion. (Harpersbazaar.co.uk, 2013) Harper’s Bazaar features catwalk reports, interviews with celebrities (February 2015 issue features interviews with Gwyneth Palrow and Jennifer Aniston), beauty tricks, anti-aging treatments, popular television and travel destinations. These particular features capture the attention of a more mature female audience, as anti aging products and luxury travel destinations are featured widely in the magazine. Interviews with famous women in their 40’s, have money, success, have been through divorces and look after their bodies are inspirational for women of a similar age and feeds their interests. However, I think a lot of their high fashion features can appeal to younger generations- a prime example of this can be seen on the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaar which features Rihanna posing in a shark’s mouth. Although, Rihanna cannot be missed when high fashion is featured, as she is so widely involved with it and has modelled for the likes of Chanel and Moschino.

Articles inside Harper's Bazaar Magazine and the new and iconic Rihanna cover

Feb 15 covers of Harper's Bazaar. US, UK, Hong Kong, Germany

When comparing the different February 2015 covers of Harper’s Bazaar from around the world, none stand out from each other. All four covers feature very natural looking women who do not seem threatening. All four covers are very classy and sophisticated with the main focus being on the new season’s trends, which is written in large font across the cover model. None of the covers appeal to me as a consumer as much as Love and Elle covers do. I think this is because the covers seem very elegant and mature, whereas Elle features beauty trends, cover models and brighter colours that appeal to my younger tastes more and Love magazine features very popular models and celebrities as you have never seen them, while incorporating diverse subject matters and imagery. 



Important People
Founder- Harper & Brothers
Editor-in-chief US- Glenda Bailey
Editor-in-chief UK- Justine Picardie

References
Rihanna Harper's Bazaar Cover- O.aolcdn.com, (2015). [online] Available at: http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/f42cfc7f97e9751abfeaad3fae550c59/201507083/HBZ+Rihanna+Subscriber+Cover.jpg [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

First cover Harper’s Bazaar- Hbz.h-cdn.co, (2015). [online] Available at: http://hbz.h-cdn.co/assets/cm/15/02/320x320/549496523f830_-_1867-first-cover-140-0107-de.jpg [Accessed 17 Jan. 2015].

Martin Munkacsi photograph-  Michaelhoppengallery.com, (2015). [online] Available at: http://www.michaelhoppengallery.com/image/1630.large.jpg [Accessed 17 Jan. 2015].

Feb 15 Harper’s Bazaar US- Astairwaytofashion.files.wordpress.com, (2015). [online] Available at: https://astairwaytofashion.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/156.jpg?w=800&h=1006 [Accessed 17 Jan. 2015].

Feb 15 Harper’s Bazaar UK- Cdn01.cdn.justjared.com, (2015). [online] Available at: http://cdn01.cdn.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/headlines/2014/12/gwyneth-paltrow-harper-bazaar-uk.jpg [Accessed 17 Jan. 2015].

Feb 15 Harper’s Bazaar Hong Kong- Suneseemodel.com, (2015). [online] Available at: http://www.suneseemodel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/29122014174310-0001.jpg [Accessed 17 Jan. 2015].

Feb 15 Harper’s Bazaar Germany- - Harpersbazaar.de, (2015). [online] Available at: http://www.harpersbazaar.de/sites/default/files/styles/w-520-h-520-scale-crop/public/field_teaser_image/leseprobe-harpers-bazaar-germany-deutschland.png?itok=C19f6WvR [Accessed 17 Jan. 2015].