150 years of Harper's Bazaar - Justine Picardie talk at the V&A

With a reputation for being one of the more grounded editors in the fashion world, Justine Picardie has a magic touch. Under her stewardship, Harper's Bazaar has gone from venerable, low-key society magazine to a publication closing in on Vogue's sales.

Now in its 150th year, Harper's Bazaar is hosting a series of birthday celebrations. This V&A talk, with Picardie sharing the microphone with Glenda Bailey, editor-in-chief of the magazine's US edition, looks back at its past and steady rise to prominence in recent years. No doubt the two editors will be mentioning a big, glossy, new book – Harper’s Bazaar: 150 Years The Greatest Moments.

Harper's Bazaar was launched in America in 1867 staffed by both male and female journalists, plus one Paris correspondent. Its aim was to spot European fashion trends and bring them to the attention of society ladies in America.

In the UK, Harper's merged with Queen magazine in 1970, leading to the UK title being re-named Harper's & Queen for decades. Its readership was largely limited to the upper echelons of British society, until 2006 – when the magazine was again re-named, this time to Harper's Bazaar, to match the US version. Its image was overhauled. This was a watershed moment for the UK magazine, as with the name change came new advertising clients. Where Tatler, Britain's other high society title, had been its rival in publishing debutante snaps, by 2008 Harper's Bazaar was setting its sights on being a big fashion player – and its sights were on Vogue. Picardie was appointed editor in 2012.

After last year's Vogue centenary celebrations, which took over much of central London – including the National Portrait Gallery – it is hard to see how Harper's Bazaar can follow that act in the near future – but anything is possible. However, this talk with two fascinating editors should offer a great insight into the world of fashion, along the lines of last year's Inside British Vogue.

Born and raised in London, Picardie grew up under the influence of radical parents who, for instance, took her to a Rolling Stones gig for her sixth birthday present (Picardie's son Jamie is the Bombay Bicycle Club's guitarist). She has had an extensive career in which she has, at various times, been features director of British Vogue, editor of the Observer Magazine and fashion columnist for the Sunday Telegraph. She is also author of If the Spirit Moves You and Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life.

Ticket price includes a wine reception