Bazzar India 1

In the late 1960s, Bazaar was at the forefront of introducing vibrant, new elements to its design. The editor at the

time, Nancy White, believed in using graphic design as a medium for visual storytelling. She was also known for

fostering new talent such as photographer Yasuhiro Wakabayashi, better known as Hiro. At the time, he was

assisting legendary photographer Richard Avedon, who had been working for Harper’s Bazaar since 1944 and

was responsible for bringing a distinct narrative to fashion photography. After a year of being Hiro’s mentor, Avedon felt that his

student had reached his potential and introduced him to Bazaar’s renowned art director, Alexey Brodovitch. In 1957, Hiro was

hired to become the sta photographer at Bazaar—a position he held for the following 10 years. He became known for

his remarkable approach to lighting and his juxtaposition of unexpected elements for striking results.

His images, surreal and unique, were especially notable for their elegance.

Featured here is actor Donna Mitchell, photographed by Hiro for The Cult of The Zodiac,

the Harper’s Bazaar October 1968 issue. ■

BAZAAR

How

A look back at the time when pioneering photographer Hiro,

introduced ingenious lighting techniques to Bazaar

STRIKE A POSE

The October 1968 cover of

Harper’s Bazaar US,

photographed by Hiro

BAZAAR US OCTOBER 1968 COVER; PHOTOGRAPHED BY HIRO