Hara‑Kiri No.154 (Juillet 1974), from the famously provocative French satirical monthly journal bête et méchant, known for using exaggerated visual gags to parody summer culture, fashion trends, and public anxieties around “la mode d’été.”

This cover features two women posed like a tongue‑in‑cheek fashion editorial: wide‑brimmed sun hats, summer sandals, sunglasses and woven beach bags — all classic 70s seaside styling. What makes the image satirical is the body‑painting: heavy, deliberately exaggerated painted hair patterns that parody naturism, summer fashion and shock‑value headlines about nudity on beaches.

The yellow backdrop and duo composition mirror commercial holiday advertising of the era, but the absurd painted effect transforms it into pure visual comedy — mocking both prudish reactions and sensationalist beach‑culture debates.

Headline:LA MODE D’ÉTÉÀ POIL SUR LES PLAGES(“Summer fashion — naked on the beaches”)This isn’t promoting nudity but parodying the way tabloids dramatise changing summer norms.

Cover details:

• HARA‑KIRI masthead in deep burgundy

• No.154 – Juil. 74 – 5 F

• Tagline: journal bête et méchant

• Stock label: 1496

• Mascot logo bottom left

• Strong monochrome yellow background typical of Hara‑Kiri’s mid‑70s aesthetic

Collectors value this issue for:

• its iconic 70s summer satire

• humorous use of body‑painting and fashion parody

• strong colour palette and instantly recognisable layout

• rarity of 1974 issues (a highly collectible publishing year)

• the playful double‑figure composition, unusual in the magazine’s run

Condition (from the photo):

• Slight corner wear on the upper right

• Some sleeve reflections visible across mid‑section

• Colours remain vibrant; text and outlines crisp

• No major tears or creases visible

• Spine appears straight with typical vintage softness

A bold, colourful example of Hara‑Kiri’s summer‑season humour, blending beach culture parody with the magazine’s trademark irreverence.