The allure of a magazine cover often lies in its power to captivate, its ability to spark curiosity, and perhaps even to shape public conversation. For a magazine like American ELLE, which has long set the standard in fashion and celebrity culture, its covers used to command attention effortlessly, becoming iconic moments in pop culture. But in recent months, something has shifted. Even high-profile names like Lady Gaga, Kylie Jenner, Lisa from Blackpink, HoYeon Jung, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Zoë Kravitz, who might have once guaranteed a splash, haven’t quite managed to make the same impact. The question emerges: Has the magic of the ELLE cover worn off?
As we step into the spring of 2025, Nina Garcia, the magazine’s editor-in-chief since 2017, attempts to infuse a fresh dose of energy with a new cover star: Daisy Edgar-Jones. The British actress, best known for her breakthrough role in Normal People, steps into the limelight with her first-ever ELLE cover, signaling a subtle shift in the editorial direction of the magazine. This month’s cover, photographed by Dan Martensen, presents Edgar-Jones in a serene yet striking pose—a moment of both grace and vulnerability.
A New Face for a New Era
Daisy Edgar-Jones is hardly a stranger to the public eye, but her selection for this particular cover feels like an intentional choice. While previous covers have often showcased global superstars and influencers, Edgar-Jones brings a certain understated elegance that feels like a return to something more authentic, more grounded. Her soft gaze, captured as she reclines on a bed, wears an air of quiet confidence—a reflection of her rise as one of the most sought-after talents in recent years.
What makes this cover particularly noteworthy is not just the subject, but the careful styling and mood that accompanies it. The photograph places Edgar-Jones in a delicate balance between fashion and intimacy. She’s dressed in a Cou Cou Intimates top, paired with a dramatic cape from the Chanel Spring 2025 collection, curated by stylist Clare Richardson. The juxtaposition of lingerie and haute couture on a single body speaks volumes about how fashion is evolving—no longer bound by the rules of formality, but instead fluid, playful, and at times, a little subversive.
The Power of Fashion
ELLE’s decision to dress Edgar-Jones in these particular pieces from Chanel’s latest collection is also indicative of the magazine’s current fashion direction. Chanel, known for its timeless elegance, often aligns with the idea of classic beauty, but the brand’s Spring 2025 collection feels much more contemporary, offering a fresh take on luxury. The dramatic cape, for instance, feels both traditional and avant-garde, representing a fusion of the old and new, mirroring the magazine’s attempt to find its own voice amidst shifting cultural landscapes.
In many ways, American ELLE’s choice of Edgar-Jones can be seen as a metaphor for the magazine itself—trying to find a balance between its established legacy and the need to resonate with today’s readers. Where covers in the past may have relied on obvious celebrity power to drive sales and conversations, there’s now a shift towards finding the right kind of subtlety. Edgar-Jones might not have the global following of some of her peers, but she represents a quieter, more thoughtful kind of star—one that feels right for the current moment, where authenticity and nuance are prized more than ever before.
A Shift in the Industry?
The past few years have seen a shift in the way we engage with celebrity culture. Where social media platforms once made stars out of influencers and reality TV personalities, the rise of streaming platforms and complex storytelling has brought a new kind of fame to the forefront—one based not just on image, but on talent and depth. Daisy Edgar-Jones, with her nuanced performances in series like Normal People and films such as Where the Crawdads Sing, embodies this shift perfectly. She represents a more cerebral kind of fame, one that connects with audiences on a deeper level.
For ELLE, this may signal an intentional pivot, as it recognizes that the oversaturated world of Instagram influencers and viral moments may no longer be the definitive way to grab attention. Instead, it may be more about the quiet charisma of someone like Edgar-Jones—a star who doesn’t necessarily need to shout her presence from the rooftops, but whose craft speaks volumes.
The Future of ELLE’s Covers
As Nina Garcia continues to lead American ELLE, it will be interesting to see how this new approach evolves. The magazine is in a delicate balancing act: It needs to maintain its reputation as a fashion-forward publication while adapting to an era where readers are more selective and discerning than ever. Covers like this one—subtle, fashion-forward, and thoughtfully executed—may be a glimpse into the future of how ELLE will present its stars.
In the past, ELLE covers had an almost effortless power to capture the cultural zeitgeist. But in a time when celebrity culture is increasingly fragmented and nuanced, the magazine’s decision to feature someone like Daisy Edgar-Jones could be an attempt to recalibrate what it means to be an icon. Rather than offering up easy spectacle, the magazine may be embracing the idea that true star power now lies in authenticity, quiet beauty, and undeniable talent.
Whether this shift proves successful remains to be seen, but for now, Daisy Edgar-Jones on the April 2025 cover of American ELLE feels like the beginning of something new. And perhaps, just like the actress herself, the magazine is poised to redefine what it means to be a star.
