Cynthia Erivo wearing a grey oversized tracksuit seated against an ornate gilded interior background for Variety Magazine.

Cynthia Erivo wearing a grey windbreaker and long skirt seated on an architectural ledge outdoors with a classic European street background.

Suki Waterhouse posing for the Variety Power of Women UK cover wearing a black cutout halter dress with metallic ring trim.

Model crouching in a black backless cutout dress and stiletto heels against a marble wall for Variety Magazine.

Actor Emilia Clarke seated in an ivory satin halter top and black trousers on the cover of Variety magazine.

Actor Emilia Clarke posing outdoors in a white satin halter top against a bright blue sky for Variety Magazine.

Emilia Clarke smiling while seated on a brown carpet in front of a dark green leather couch in a satin top and black trousers.

Hannah Waddingham seated on grand indoor stairs wearing an off-shoulder burgundy satin dress for Variety Magazine.

Emilia Clarke sitting in an elevator wearing a burgundy satin dress and black heels for Variety Magazine.

Hannah Waddingham in an off-the-shoulder burgundy satin dress smiling with hand to mouth against a warm textured backdrop.

Portrait of actor Emma Corrin seated on a green bathtub wearing a dark shirt and grey skirt against draped curtains

Portrait of a person with short brown hair in a dark button-up shirt lying against a plush brown textured background.

Variety Magazine Power of Women UK 2026

About

Variety Magazine delivers a sophisticated exploration of influence with their Power of Women UK series, a landmark magazine feature that celebrates the industry leaders shaping today's creative landscape. Captured through the lens of photographer Zoe McConnell, the project leans into editorial minimalism, balancing high-fashion aesthetics with a sense of grounded, intimate humanity. The series spotlights powerhouse talents such as Cynthia Erivo, Suki Waterhouse, and Emilia Clarke, utilizing a mix of medium format photography and carefully balanced studio strobe lighting to elevate each portrait. Whether set against the ornate backdrop of classic European architecture or refined, texture-rich interior spaces, these images favor natural light to define the mood. Stylists including Emma Jade Morrison, Jason Bolden, and Lisa Jarvis curate each ensemble to reflect individual personality, ranging from sculptural, oversized silhouettes to elegant satin drapes. With expert grooming contributions from stylists like Alex Brownsell and makeup artists such as Joy Adenuga and Naoko Scintu, the visual narrative remains cohesive yet distinct for every subject. By integrating cinematographic depth with an editorial approach, the project channels a timeless quality that captures the subjects in a state of calm, composed authority. The resulting collection is more than a standard portrait series; it is a polished visual essay that anchors Variety firmly at the intersection of high-end media and celebrity portraiture.