Elle UK
Featured Elle UK projects
This week's top Elle UK projects, carefully handpicked by Visie's expert curators, showcase the best in style and innovation.
Project Elle UK · Anya Taylor-Joy
For the September 2024 issue of Elle UK, actress Anya Taylor-Joy takes center stage in a high-fashion editorial that masterfully balances ethereal softness with industrial tension. Photographer Yulia Gorbachenko captures the star across a variety of settings, ranging from stark, minimalist studios to environments accented with corrugated metal and rustic wood, creating a visual narrative that feels both avant-garde and timeless. With art direction from Zoya Kaye and styling by Jaime Kay Warren, the imagery leans into a refined editorial aesthetic that emphasizes the tactile qualities of lace, ruffles, and structured tailoring. Gregory Russell enhances Taylor-Joy’s signature platinum blonde aesthetic through sculptural and flowing hair styling, while the overall composition benefits from the precision of both studio strobe and natural light to maintain a clean, crisp palette. Set designer Romain Goudinoux introduces architectural intrigue, grounding the high-fashion ensembles in spaces defined by clean lines and unexpected textures. Through this dynamic series of portraits, the team crafts a compelling visual story that highlights the juxtaposition between the delicate nature of high-fashion couture and the raw, utilitarian backdrop of a modern working studio. The result is a series of portrait shots that feel polished yet inherently raw, anchoring Taylor-Joy’s commanding presence within a frame of meticulous, understated elegance.
Project Elle UK · Elle UK September 2026 Cover
For the September 2026 issue of Elle UK, the magazine delivers a masterclass in editorial portraiture that leans into a blend of high-fashion minimalism and dramatic texture. Featuring actor Anya Taylor-Joy as its cover star, the feature is anchored by the nuanced lens of photographer Yulia Gorbachenko, who expertly utilizes studio strobe and natural light to capture a series of striking, high-key images. The visual narrative flows between intimate, intense close-ups and dynamic, movement-based compositions, often placing Taylor-Joy against clean, architectural backdrops or vibrant, saturated blue surfaces that provide a sharp, contemporary contrast. The project, brought to life through the creative vision of Fashion Director Avril Mair and Art Director Zoya Kaye, showcases intricate garment work, from layered lace and ruffled tulle to structured faux fur. Supporting the refined aesthetic are the precise contributions of hair stylist Gregory Russell and makeup artist Georgie Eisdell, whose work remains consistently polished throughout the series. Set designer Romain Goudinoux adds further dimension by integrating industrial elements and reflective surfaces into the set, grounding the ethereal styling in a tangible space. Ultimately, this editorial portrait session moves beyond a standard cover shoot, presenting a series of sophisticated visuals that harmonize delicate craftsmanship with bold, modern composition to define the quintessential tone for the magazine's upcoming autumn season.
Project Elle UK · Chase the sun
In the latest feature for Elle UK, titled Chase the Sun, a masterclass in fashion editorial minimalism unfolds through a series of striking, high-end portraits. This project dives deep into the texture and movement of luxury garments, pairing high-contrast fabrics with a stark, clean aesthetic. Under the creative vision of Fashion Director Avril Mair and Art Director Zoya Kaye, the series pivots toward an elevated visual language that prioritizes silhouette and intricate materiality above all else. Photographer Magnus Lechner captures these moments using a blend of natural light and precise studio strobe setups, ensuring every metallic fringe, feather embellishment, and leather detail is rendered with clinical clarity. With styling by Fashion Editor Holly Gorst, the wardrobe transitions seamlessly from structured cream outerwear to fluid, sequin-heavy party pieces. The project leans into a refined portrait style, emphasizing the synergy between the model Aluel Keror and the tactile nature of each outfit. By stripping away extraneous set design, the team allows the craftsmanship of the luxury fashion pieces to take center stage. Supported by the precise hair styling of Christos Bairabas and polished makeup artistry from Nina Sagri, the imagery feels both timeless and urgent, embodying the sophisticated, editorial spirit that defines contemporary luxury fashion media today.
Project Elle UK · Elle UK July 2026 Cover
For its July 2026 issue, Elle UK delivers a masterclass in editorial minimalism, leaning into the power of a singular, arresting visual to anchor its latest cover story. Featuring entertainer Sienna Spiro, the image captures a moment of poised stillness that feels both immediate and timeless. Photographer Keir Laird utilizes sharp, crisp studio strobe lighting to ensure every detail of the vibrant, deep red floor-length gown commands attention against the stark white background. The composition, characterized by its low-angle crouching pose, draws the eye upward to the subject, whose hand subtly frames her face in a gesture that bridges the gap between high-fashion portraiture and genuine intimacy. Fashion Editor Holly Gorst complements the striking silhouette with monochromatic styling, extending the crimson palette through to the subject's precise nail polish. The technical execution is flawless, relying on clean lines and a high-key aesthetic to elevate the magazine masthead, which sits boldly as the final punctuation of the frame. By stripping away extraneous set design, the creative team centers the narrative entirely on the strength of the subject. This production proves that even in the saturated world of magazines, media, and entertainment, a restrained hand and a perfectly balanced lens remain the most effective tools for capturing the cultural zeitgeist of the season.
Project Elle UK · Sweet Escape
In the vibrant pages of Elle UK, the Sweet Escape campaign breathes life into contemporary luxury fashion through a series of evocative, coastal-inspired visuals. Photographer Charlotte Hadden captures a quiet, contemplative mood that leans into editorial minimalism, grounding high-end apparel against the rugged, muted backdrop of a pebbled beach. The project serves as a masterclass in texture, where the architectural presence of concrete and dark sculptural elements contrasts beautifully with the soft, ribbed-knit fabrics and earthy color palettes styled by fashion editor Natasha Wray. Central to the narrative is model Luca Biggs, who brings an effortless, fashion-forward energy to each frame, whether obscured by oversized technical parkas or framed by bold, statement-making eyewear. By utilizing natural light to emphasize the matte surfaces and intricate details of the clothing, the team creates a tactile environment that feels both grounded and aspirational. With hair styling by Christos Bairabas and a clean, fresh makeup aesthetic provided by Faye Bluff, the editorial maintains a cohesive, polished look that transcends traditional lifestyle photography. The inclusion of subtle film grain texture adds a layer of depth to the compositions, resulting in a series that feels authentic, lived-in, and unmistakably modern within the luxury fashion sector.
Project Elle UK · Hermes Beauty
In this sophisticated editorial campaign for Hermes Beauty, Elle UK explores the intersection of high-fashion accessory styling and elevated cosmetic artistry. Through a series of tightly framed portraits, the project leans into a refined minimalist aesthetic, where the tactile elegance of silk headscarves and artisanal textures act as a canvas for a bold, modern makeup narrative. Photographer Sharif Hamza expertly employs studio strobe lighting to emphasize the lustrous finish of the fabrics and the pristine quality of the skin, while deliberate natural light setups elsewhere provide a softer, more intimate dimension to the portrait series. Art directed by Zoya Kaye, the imagery channels a sense of deliberate precision, highlighting the collaborative synergy between the brand’s iconic heritage and contemporary beauty standards. Makeup artist Gregoris Pyrpylis plays a pivotal role here, executing graphic, high-impact looks—from vibrant yellow eyeshadow to deep, glossy plum nail lacquers—that harmonize with the vivid patterns of the featured accessories. Model Ana Portela brings a polished intensity to each frame, anchoring the compositions against both monochromatic backdrops and saturated color fields. By stripping back extraneous noise, this editorial project succeeds in turning the spotlight squarely on the craft, proving that beauty is not merely about product application, but about the art of composition and the enduring allure of carefully curated, luxurious detail.
Project Elle UK · Charm Offensive
In Charm Offensive, Elle UK leans into the intersection of modern luxury and high-fashion editorial, creating a visual dialogue between fine jewellery and tactile, high-texture garments. This series of editorial portraits strips away the noise to prioritize the interplay of light and adornment, placing intricate metallic silhouettes against both stark white and dramatic low-key backdrops. Photographer Jack Grange utilizes a sophisticated mix of studio strobe techniques and natural lighting to emphasize the reflective qualities of gold, silver, and vibrant gemstones, while simultaneously highlighting the subtle, dewy skin textures of model Eliza Rutson Pang. Fashion editor and stylist Holly Gorst anchors the narrative through curated layers of faux fur and floral patterns that contrast sharply with the geometric precision of the jewellery. By blending deliberate, high-contrast chiaroscuro lighting with clean, minimalist studio portraiture, the project achieves a polished aesthetic that feels both intimate and grand. Expert hair styling by Natalie Shafii and intentional makeup application by Faye Bluff serve to frame these wearable sculptures, ensuring that every detail—from the subtle freckle to the ornate diamond flower earring—is rendered with razor-sharp clarity. The result is a masterclass in jewellery styling that transcends standard product photography, inviting the viewer into a world where texture, reflection, and human presence exist in perfect, luxurious balance.
Project Elle UK · Elle UK June 2026 Cover
For the June 2026 cover of Elle UK, the editorial team presents a masterclass in modern portraiture, featuring the multifaceted entertainer Doja Cat in a look that balances avant-garde volume with classic sartorial foundations. Captured with crisp studio strobe lighting, the image leans into a refined editorial aesthetic that commands attention while maintaining a sense of sophisticated restraint. The composition highlights Doja Cat dressed in an oversized, draped white blouse paired with a sharp, high-waisted black leather midi skirt, a styling choice spearheaded by Fashion Editor Anna Trevelyan under the vision of Fashion Director Avril Mair. Photographer Louie Banks brings a clean, graphic sensibility to the frame, ensuring the subject remains the focal point against a neutral grey backdrop, while Art Director Zoya Kaye integrates the magazine's iconic bold blue typography to ground the visual narrative. The technical precision of the shoot is elevated by the intricate hair styling of Jared Henderson and the nuanced makeup work of Ivan Nunez, which provide a textured contrast to the outfit's minimalist silhouettes. By stripping back the set design in favor of pure focus on the talent, the project serves as a compelling exploration of contemporary celebrity portraiture within the legacy of high-end magazine media, successfully translating Doja Cat's dynamic public persona into a timeless, high-fashion archival image.
Project Elle UK · The World Of Doja Cat
In The World Of Doja Cat, Elle UK delivers a masterclass in modern editorial photography, stripping back the noise to place the mercurial artist at the center of an intense, high-contrast visual dialogue. Shot by photographer Louie Banks, this project pushes past standard celebrity portraiture by leaning into a stark, minimalist aesthetic that feels both futuristic and nostalgically grounded. Through a series of sharp, studio strobe captures, the editorial oscillates between hyper-clean high-key portraits and moody, low-key chiaroscuro studies, utilizing symmetrical reflections and vintage CRT television sets to construct a surreal, meta-narrative of fame. Fashion editor and stylist Anna Trevelyan anchors the visual language in architectural silhouettes, pairing voluminous white blouses and dramatic faux-fur coats against sleek leather, while hair stylist Jared Henderson and makeup artist Ivan Nunez highlight Doja Cat’s own striking features. The deliberate inclusion of analogue film textures and technological installation elements provides a gritty, conceptual depth that elevates the series beyond simple fashion documentation. By balancing bold, geometric shapes with the tactile softness of platinum curls and textured furs, the project maintains an edgy, cinematic quality that remains deeply intimate. It is an evocative exploration of identity that uses light and shadow to transform the artist into a sculptural, multifaceted icon of contemporary media and entertainment culture.
Project Elle UK · Elle UK June 2026 Digital Cover
For its June 2026 digital cover, Elle UK leans into a radiant sense of optimism, featuring actress Bella Maclean in a portrait that feels both elevated and refreshingly candid. Captured by photographer Niall Hodson, the editorial imagery strips away complex studio artifice in favor of soft, natural light that perfectly complements the expansive backdrop of a bright blue sky. Maclean, framed from the waist up with arms joyfully extended, anchors the composition with an infectious energy that signals a pivot toward warmer, more authentic storytelling in high-end magazines. The aesthetic choice to pair a sophisticated, high-collared cream blouse with such a candid, open-air setting creates a compelling juxtaposition between classic fashion editorial polish and spontaneous vitality. Fashion editor and stylist Holly Gorst masterfully grounds the look, ensuring the garment choice maintains a structural elegance that doesn't compete with the sky-high energy of the moment. With clean, bold white typography layered over the image, the final digital cover reads as a quintessential piece of modern media design—sophisticated yet accessible, and firmly rooted in the art of the portrait. This project serves as a masterclass in minimalist visual impact, proving that when the casting and the light are perfectly aligned, the most compelling fashion narratives are often the ones that feel the most weightless and free.
Project Elle UK · Bella Maclean
In a striking editorial collaboration for Elle UK, photographer Niall Hodson captures the burgeoning charisma of actress Bella Maclean, resulting in a series of intimate portraits that strip away the artifice often found in high-fashion media. The project leans into editorial minimalism, favoring soft, natural light and a restrained color palette to keep the focus entirely on the subject's candid personality. Styled by fashion editor Holly Gorst, the imagery juxtaposes heavy-gauge knitwear and structured leather panels against organic backdrops like bamboo stalks and curved greenhouse metal, creating a sophisticated tension between texture and environment. Each portrait functions as a study in character, whether Maclean is laughing with abandon or holding a direct, neutral gaze that commands the lens. The deliberate choice of soft, even illumination enhances the tactile quality of the wardrobe, while the meticulous composition ensures the viewer feels an immediate proximity to the talent. By integrating the refined work of manicurist Ami Streets, the shoot maintains a cohesive attention to detail that elevates the overall visual narrative. Ultimately, the project succeeds by balancing deliberate staging with moments of genuine human expression, producing a timeless portrait series that feels both contemporary and grounded in the quiet, atmospheric beauty of its setting.
Project Elle UK · Elle UK May 2026 Cover
For the May 2026 cover of Elle UK, the creative team has delivered a masterclass in modern editorial photography, centering on actor Elle Fanning in a series of striking, high-fashion portraits. The project leans into a bold, monochromatic color palette, utilizing vibrant red accents against minimalist backdrops to craft a visual narrative that feels both graphic and refined. Through a mix of natural light and precise studio strobe setups, the imagery captures a sophisticated range of textures, from the sleek tailoring of structured blazers to the volume of puffed-shoulder trench coats. The editorial design emphasizes sharp color blocking, with compositions that highlight Fanning’s poise through deliberate posing and clean, geometric framing. Under the editorial guidance of Kenya Hunt and the fashion direction of Avril Mair, the shoot avoids clutter, instead prioritizing the interplay between Fanning’s minimalist styling and the high-gloss aesthetic. The collaboration successfully balances the accessibility of celebrity portraiture with the elevated, avant-garde sensibilities expected of a prestige title. With hair by Jenda Alcorn and makeup artistry by Erin Ayanian Monroe, each frame feels curated and intentional, proving that even within a restrictive palette, there remains significant room for creative depth. Captured by photographer Olivia Malone, this series serves as a definitive statement on contemporary editorial minimalism, proving that bold choices in color and composition create the most enduring cover stories.
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