'Wonder Woman' Halima Aden Is Dramatic Gorgeous For ELLE UK November 2018

Rising model Halima Aden is styled by Solange Franklin as one of ELLE UK’s ‘Wonder Women’, lensed by Clay Stephen Gardner./ Makeup by Grace Ahn; hair by Nai’vasha Johnson

As the first Muslim woman wearing a hijab in the world of high fashion, 21-year-old Halima Aden, a Somali refugee growing up in Minnesota, is hailed “as the role model we need in 2018” by British ELLE. “She’s the model who stays true to her beliefs. The proud refugee embracing American culture — without forgetting where she came from.”

We’ve all noticed a more modest direction in fashion, and ELLE UK quantifies it. “The Islamic fashion industry is set to be worth £267 billion by 2O21*, with modest fashion dominating the AW18 runways of Gucci, Calvin Klein 2O5W39NYC, Alexander Wang, Versace, Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior and more. Here, Halima talks about the journey with Muslim Girl editor-in-chief Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, a fellow hijabi and role model redefining what Muslim women can do. “

Carine Roitfeld has backed Halima from day one, and launched her first girl gaggle photoshoot. Reflecting, Halima shares the experience: “It was for CR Fashion Book. Mario Sorrenti was shooting, there was Gigi [Hadid], Paris Jackson, Candice Swanepoel. I will never forget, Paris was like, ‘Girl, any time you’re in LA, just shoot me a text and we’ll hang out.’ She immediately embraced me and it was the same with Candice. She was like, ‘Don’t ever feel like you need to change yourself.’ “

Gigi Hadid also greeted Halima with open arms. “Yes, it was a Milan show for Alberta Ferretti. She came up to me and said, ‘Welcome to the show. If you need any advice, any tips, just come to me.’ I was freaking out – it’s Gigi! But she is super, super sweet.”

The ELLE interview highlight’s Halima being named with Gigi as new UNICEF ambassadors — all topics AOC has covered previously.

Mary Fix Flashes A Captivating India Graham For Hunger Magazine F/W 2018

Mary Fix Flashes A Captivating India Graham For Hunger Magazine F/W 2018

Michigan native India Malaika Graham’s life took a major turn when she won a modelling competition sposored by W magazine and IMG models. ELLE UK introduced India to readers in April 2017.

India is styled here by Jess Mederos in images by Mary Fix for Hunger Magazine Fall/Winter 2018./ Makeup by Caitlan Wooters ; hair by Sirsa

Alexander Saladrigas Flashes Lara Stone & Pat Boguslawski On Holiday For ELLE UK August 2018

Supermodel Lara Stone and Movement Director & Creative Consultant Pat Boguslawski are 'On Holiday', styled by Gillian Wilkins. Photographer Alexander Saladrigas captures the couple hanging out with the people for ELLE UK August 2018./ Hair by Shinya Nakagawa; makeup by Homa Safar

Kosovan-Brit Singer Dua Lipa Covers ELLE UK June 2018, Lensed By Liz Collins In 'New Life Rules'

Kosovan-Brit Singer Dua Lipa Covers ELLE UK June 2018, Lensed By Liz Collins In 'New Life Rules'

Pop star Dua Lipa is styled by Anne-Marie Curtis in 'New Life Rules', lensed by Liz Collins for ELLE UK June 2018. Lipa's star is rising high, and she will drop into Miami on June 12, writes Ocean Drive. 

Lipa is interviewed by ELLE UK's Hannah Nathanson, who writes:

"Since releasing her debut eponymous album in June 2017, Dua has become known as a warrior of love for a new generation of women. Her raw, honest lyrics hinge on female empowerment, relationships and heartbreak, and are backed by a unique strain of dark pop, which Dua describes as ‘dance crying’. ‘It’s all quite fun to dance to, but if you listen to just the lyrics, or strip it down and just do a piano version of it, it’s quite sad,’ she explains. Her voice is warm and husky, a personal trademark once singled out for being too low when she auditioned for the school choir. Now, though, her mature, soulful tone is the reason she’s become the most-streamed female artist in the UK."

Niko Riam & Frances Coombe Unite In 'Beyond the Pale' By Steph Wilson For Elle UK May 2018

Models Niko Riam & Frances Coombe are a study in dramatic contrasts, styled by Gillian Wilkins for 'Beyond the Pale'. Photographer Steph Wilson captures the double entrendre editorial for Elle UK May 2018./ Hair by Susanne Lichtenegger; makeup by William Bartel

Winnie Harlow Expresses Beauty Of Humanity, Lensed By Gilles Bensimon For ELLE UK May 2018

Winnie Harlow Expresses Beauty Of Humanity, Lensed By Gilles Bensimon For ELLE UK May 2018

Model Winnie Harlow covers the May 2018 issue of ELLE UK, lensed by Gilles Bensimon with bird of paradise fashion looks styled by Anne-Marie Curtis

Admittedly, I've come to see Winnie differently in the age of Trump. My original reaction to Winnie was one of empathy for her bravery in being such an 'audacious spirit' pursuing her modeling career with her skin condition of vitiligo. For all the women of every age obsessing with their so-called flaws, Winnie is heroic in embracing her always-changing beauty. It makes me feel small with my own obsessions.

These images by Gilles Bensimon capture my current vision of Winnie Harlow -- a goddess for the ages, a visual repository of the origins of humanity, a return to a single, unified vision of the planet's women. That's lofty, I know, but this editorial captures so beautifully Winnie's ancient origins, suggesting that her beauty is NOT a medical mistake. It's who we are -- our shared DNA -- and our evolution as one race: the human race. ~ Anne

Luz Pavon Is Lensed By Clay Stephen Gardner In 'Sunset Strip' For Elle UK March 2018

Mexican model and founder of clothing brand  PAVON NYC Luz Pavon is styled by Robert Rydberg in 'Sunset Strip', lensed by Clay Stephen Gardner for Elle UK March 2018./ Hair by Dimitris Giannetos; makeup by Melanie Inglessis

Liz Collins Captures Lili, Lorena, Riley, Odette & Neelam For Elle UK February 2018

Models Lili Sumner, Lorena Maraschi, Neelam Gill, Odette Pavlova and Riley Montana are styled by Anne-Marie Curtis in 'Dress Queen', lensed by Liz Collinsfor Elle UK February 2018./ Hair by Samantha Hillerby; Sharon Dowsett

Romee Strijd Is Crazy Cool In Laurie Bartley Images For Elle UK January 2018

Romee Strijd is styled by Anne Christensen in casual, crazy-cool looks from Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Chanel, Mary Katrantzou and more. Photographer Laurie Bartley captures the Victoria's Secret Angels for Elle UK January 2018.

Ajak Deng Blooms In 'Earthly Delights' Lensed By Ed Singleton For Elle UK December 2017

Ajak Deng Blooms In 'Earthly Delights' Lensed By Ed Singleton For Elle UK December 2017

Model Ajak Deng is styled by Solange Franklin in sumptuous prints and a blooming paradise of 'Earthly Delights', lensed by Ed Singleton for Elle UK December 2017./ Makeup by Stoj; hair by Tetsuya Yamakata

Deng revealed recently that she auditioned for a role as a Bond Girl in the new James Bond film, but was rejected due to her 'good looks'. She was, alas, "too pretty".

Thomas Whiteside Eyes Susan Sarandon, Ashley, Alek +Beth For Elle UK's November 2017 'Wonder Women' Issue

Thomas Whiteside Eyes Susan Sarandon For Elle UK's November 2017 'Wonder Women' Issue

'Feud' star Susan Sarandon, who will return to FX in 2018 for a second season in her role of Bette Davis facing off against Hollywood legend Joan Crawford, played by Jessica Lange, covers the November cover of Elle UK's 'Wonder Women' issue. Sarandon joins Ashley Graham, Beth Ditto and Alek Wek as a group of women who span different generations and backgrounds. 

Solange Franklin styled Sarandon in selects from Celine, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Thom Browne and more for studio portraits by Thomas Whiteside.

Gilles Bensimon Eyes Gabrielle Rul In 'Paris, My Love' For Elle UK October 2017

Model Gabrielle Rul fronts 'Paris, My Love', styled by Melanie Huynh in fall's feminine, casual pieces. Photographer Gilles Bensimon flashes Gabrielle for Elle UK October 2017./ Hair by Marion Anee; makeup by Marion Robine

Hailey Baldwin Fronts 'She's Got Drive' By Gilles Bensimon For Elle UK July 2017

Hailey Baldwin Fronts 'She's Got Drive' By Gilles Bensimon For Elle UK July 2017

Talent Hailey Baldwin is styled by Anne-Marie Curtis in 'She's Got Drive' -- and we don't mean a road trip. Photographer Gilles Bensimon flashes Hailey for Elle UK July 2017./ Hair by Kevin Ryan; makeup by Rie Omoto

Pauline Hoarau Wears 'Brit Chic' In Aitken Jolly Images For Elle Germany July 2017

Model Pauline Hoarau is styled by Anne-Marie Curtis in 'Brit Chic', lensed by Aitken Jolly for Elle Germany and Elle UK  July 2017./ Hair by Philippe Tholimet; makeup by Andrew Gallimore