ELLE MAGAZINE SWIMSUIT ISSUE

Elle Magazine casts a diverse crew of buzzy models for its swimsuit issue.

Elle’s May “Swimsuit” issue, shot by Terry Tsiolis and styled by Samira Nasr, features six different models on separate covers: Maria Borges, Bella Hadid, Candice Huffine, Hailey Baldwin, Jasmine Tookes and Elsa Hosk. It’s a Victoria’s Secret model-heavy lineup (four of the six models have worked with the brand thus far), and a social media-savvy crew, too. But even more than that, it’s a huge win for mega-agency IMG: According to WWD, this marks the first time that Elle has tapped an all-IMG cast of models for six separate covers of the same issue.

“Our six amazing cover girls express how beauty and fashion work together to enhance individuality, as opposed to styling and powdering and hairspraying it away,” said Elle Editor-in-Chief Robbie Myers of the cover casting in an interview with WWD.

“I was watching an Alaïa show from the ’90s, and it’s Naomi [Campbell], Cindy [Crawford], Linda [Evangelista] — the way they were radiating was beautiful. They were so confident. Those are the people I look up to.”

“Women have to come together in a way we haven’t before. We’re united and not standing for less than we deserve. It’s about celebrating who we are and not backing down. It’s not a time to be quiet.”

“People think it’s all fun and glamorous, but it’s a lot of work, a lack of sleep and a lot of being by yourself, away from family. Traveling the world alone when you’re 18 or 19 is a lot.”

“My goal has always been to create my own beauty line. I have such a unique skin tone — when I go on set, makeup artists have to use all different mixes of makeup to match my skin. I’d love to do a line that has tones for everybody.”

On learning from failure: “When I came to New York [at] 20, I didn’t know the level of professionalism required. You can’t half-ass it, because people will take your place. I screwed up many times and had to prove myself over seven years.”

“The fashion industry is here for everyone, [regardless] of color or race. When I was growing up, I never saw someone like me, and now the other girls can see someone like them. It’s all about inspiration.”