Harper's Bazaar
On the 2nd of November 1867, a new magazine called Harper's Bazar debuted in New York City. Fletcher Harper had proposed an American version of the German publication Der Bazar to his brothers James and Joseph. They initially refused but eventually joined him in publishing the weekly journal together. The first issue featured a folio tabloid-size format with the subtitle A Repository of Fashion, Pleasure, and Instruction. This strategy gave Harper's Bazar a distinct advantage over competitors like Godey's Lady's Book. While other American publications copied illustrations from French magazines and re-engraved printing plates, Harper & Brothers received electrotypes directly from Berlin. These original plates arrived months ahead of any other American publication. Circulation estimates reached between 70,000 and 100,000 copies within just six weeks of its launch. Mary Louise Booth served as editor until her death in 1889. Her tenure included articles on women's suffrage and equal rights though she denied any political agenda for the magazine.
Carmel Snow left Vogue in 1932 to join Harper's Bazaar as fashion editor. Edna Woolman Chase believed this move was the ultimate betrayal and Condé Nast never spoke to Snow again. In 1933 Snow and Hungarian photojournalist Martin Munkácsi went to a windswept Long Island beach for a swimwear shoot. They photographed model Lucile Brokaw running toward the camera instead of posing as a still mannequin. This image became a turning point for fashion photography history. Snow became editor-in-chief in 1934 after introducing Russian artist Alexey Brodovitch to the role that same evening. Truman Capote later compared Brodovitch to Dom Pérignon regarding his impact on photographic design. He introduced the Didot typeface which became the magazine logo and was copied by Vogue and Elle. His use of white space and cropped layouts revolutionized magazine design. Tony Lane worked as one of his assistants before becoming art director of Rolling Stone. Brodovitch struggled with alcoholism and was fired in 1958. His wife died the following year leading to severe depression. He moved to southern France after a 1967 hip injury where he died in 1971.
Richard Avedon shot many iconic photographs for Harper's Bazaar starting in 1945 as staff photographer. One famous image featured models roller skating in the Place de la Concorde. Another showed Dovima walking alongside circus elephants. Gleb Derujinsky joined the magazine in 1950 and worked there until 1968. He pioneered juxtaposing haute couture dresses with deserts junkyards fairgrounds and airports. The comparison between Avedon and Derujinsky noted that Avedon shot clothes while Gleb shot women living in them. In 1957 Derujinsky traveled across eleven countries in twenty-eight days with Nena von Schlebrügge and Ruth Neumann. They collaborated with Pan Am for the inauguration of the Boeing 707. Ady Fidelin became the first black model featured in a major American fashion magazine when she appeared in September 1937. China Machado appeared on the December 1959 cover though often erroneously reported as appearing earlier. She was one of the first people of color to be featured in such publications. Later she became senior fashion editor then fashion director at the magazine.
Hearst Corporation purchased Harper's Bazar from Harper & Brothers in 1913. Before this acquisition the magazine had steadily lost money for many years. Under Hearst ownership it transformed into a thick glossy publication. The name change from Bazar to Bazaar was filed on the 30th of December 1930 but the first issue under the new name appeared in November 1929. Charles Hanson Towne served as editor-in-chief until 1926 when he added the second a to Bazar. Arthur H. Samuels replaced him later that same year. In 1901 the format transitioned from weekly to monthly partly due to financial struggles. Nancy White era circulation peaked in 1969 with 442,220 copies circulated. The corporate offices are located in the Hearst Tower at 300 West 57th Street near Columbus Circle. This location remains central to its operations today.
Harper's Bazaar operates thirty editions around the world as of 2026. Harper's Bazaar Arabia launched in March 2007 and is published by ITP Media Group based in Dubai. In July 2018 they became the first magazine to feature a Saudi Arabian woman on the cover with Taleedah Tamer. Harper's Bazaar Australia originally ran from 1984 to 1990 before being relaunched in March 1998 with Nicole Kidman on the cover. It was shuttered in July 2020 citing declining advertising revenue but resumed publication in September 2021. Harper's Bazaar China took on the name in September 2002 after launching as Best China Fashion in November 2001. Harper's Bazaar India launched in 2009 with Kareena Kapoor on the cover and is based in Mumbai. Harper's Bazaar Vietnam was founded in Ho Chi Minh City on the 27th of June 2011. The Vietnamese version is called Phong cách Harper's Bazaar following a merger. Several international editions have been defunct including those in Argentina Bulgaria Chile Poland Romania Russia and Türkiye.
Mary Louise Booth edited the magazine until her death in 1889 followed by Margaret Elizabeth Sangster who served until 1899. Elizabeth Jordan took over when the publication was reorganized in 1900. William Martin Johnson held the position for one year starting in 1913. Hartford Powell served from 1914 to 1916 while John Chapman Hilder led from 1916 to 1920. Henry Blackman Sell was editor-in-chief from 1920 to 1926 before Charles Hanson Towne took over. Arthur H. Samuels replaced Towne in 1929 and Carmel Snow became editor-in-chief in 1934. Nancy White served from 1958 to 1971 then James Brady took over briefly until 1972. Anthony Mazzola led the magazine from 1972 to 1992 during which Nonnie Moore joined as fashion editor in 1980. Liz Tilberis was appointed editor-in-chief in 1992 after previously editing British Vogue. Kate Betts served from 1999 to 2001 before Glenda Bailey took over until 2020. Samira Nasr has been editor-in-chief since 2020.
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Common questions
When did Harper's Bazaar first publish in New York City?
Harper's Bazaar debuted on the 2nd of November 1867. Fletcher Harper proposed an American version of the German publication Der Bazar to his brothers James and Joseph who eventually joined him in publishing the weekly journal together.
Who was the editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar from 1934 until 1958?
Carmel Snow served as editor-in-chief starting in 1934 after leaving Vogue. She introduced Russian artist Alexey Brodovitch to the role that same evening before he was fired in 1958 due to struggles with alcoholism.
Which model became the first black person featured in a major American fashion magazine for Harper's Bazaar?
Ady Fidelin appeared in September 1937 as the first black model featured in a major American fashion magazine. China Machado later appeared on the December 1959 cover though she is often erroneously reported as appearing earlier than that date.
When did Hearst Corporation acquire ownership of Harper's Bazaar?
Hearst Corporation purchased Harper's Bazar from Harper & Brothers in 1913. The name change from Bazar to Bazaar was filed on the 30th of December 1930 but the first issue under the new name appeared in November 1929.
How many international editions does Harper's Bazaar operate globally as of 2026?
Harper's Bazaar operates thirty editions around the world as of 2026. International versions include Harper's Bazaar Arabia launched in March 2007 and Harper's Bazaar Vietnam founded in Ho Chi Minh City on the 27th of June 2011.