Modern Hair Iconography
Harper’s Bazaar UK’s May 2015 issue celebrates the braid as both craft and statement in Braided Beauties, a striking fashion story photographed by Brigitte Niedermair. The editorial gathers an impressive lineup of top models, transforming a traditionally romantic hairstyle into something graphic, powerful, and unmistakably modern.
The Cast
The series features Jing Wen, Gigi Hadid, Ondria Hardin, Antonia Wilson, Anne Cleveland, Paige Reifler, Kitty Hayes, and Laura James. Each model brings a distinct presence, allowing the braided motif to shift in mood from regal to rebellious while maintaining a cohesive visual narrative.
Styling and Beauty
Fashion editor Carine Roitfeld delivers a sharp, editorial approach that frames the braids as sculptural elements rather than soft embellishments. Hair by Akki Shirakawa elevates the braid into an architectural form, precise and intentional, while makeup by Kabuki remains clean and controlled, emphasizing bone structure and expression over excess.
Niedermair’s Lens
Brigitte Niedermair’s photography is cool, deliberate, and quietly commanding. Her signature use of light and composition gives the images a timeless quality, allowing texture, shape, and symmetry to take center stage. The result is a series that feels both classic and forward-looking.
Why It Resonates
Braided Beauties succeeds by reframing a familiar beauty trend through a high-fashion lens. The repetition of the braid becomes a unifying symbol of strength and elegance, proving that simplicity, when executed with precision, can feel radical.
Final Take
This Harper’s Bazaar UK editorial stands as a refined exploration of beauty and form. With a powerful cast, expert styling, and Brigitte Niedermair’s restrained yet impactful photography, Braided Beauties is a study in modern femininity.
Credits
Publication: Harper’s Bazaar UK
Issue: May 2015
Models: Jing Wen, Gigi Hadid, Ondria Hardin, Antonia Wilson, Anne Cleveland, Paige Reifler, Kitty Hayes, Laura James
Photographer: Brigitte Niedermair
Fashion Editor: Carine Roitfeld
Hair: Akki Shirakawa
Makeup: Kabuki
Category: Fashion Editorial
Magazine: Harper’s Bazaar UK May 2015
Model: Jing Wen, Gigi Hadid, Ondria Hardin, Antonia Wilson, Anne Cleveland, Paige Reifler, Kitty Hayes, Laura James
Photographer: Brigitte Niedermair
Fashion Editor: Carine Roitfeld
Hair: Akki Shirakawa
Makeup: Kabuki
