I bought this as part of the three-mag multi-pack today - the cover shot seems more suitable for a January back-to-basics issue than it does for a December one. 228 pgs. Filled with perfume inserts.
There are three covers; the newsstand one, the special edition Michelle Obama one, and the subscriber's shot of Zoe Kravitz with her head resting on a steering wheel. Because that's what Christmas is all about.
The fashion articles are about party looks, but the fashion editorials have a plainer mood, like they're sick of festivities already and are packing a capsule wardrobe for a midwinter holiday in the sun.
WAY OUT WEST is a 6 pg studio editorial - white wall, pale floorboards - shot by Raffaele Cariou, styled by Felicity Kay, with model Ruinan @ Premier. It's 'rodeo-inspired' fashion, which means cowboy hats and knotted shirts.
WHERE'S THE PARTY is a 12 pg studio editorial - mostly light grey background - shot by Meinke Klein, styled by Theophile Hermand, with models Asta Stensson @ Nisch and Marina @ Anti-Agency. It's 60s-70s graphic print clothes, bell-bottoms. Maybe fit for a fancy dress party.
Next it's the Zoe Kravitz interview. She's like something from a Greek legend, a beautiful woman with the power to make you fall asleep whenever you catch sight of her.
CHASING THE SUN is set on a subtropical coastline location, 16 pgs, shot by Alex Franco, styled by Gillian Wilkins, with model Ayesha @ Paparazzi. It's like Britain doesn't exist, never mind Christmas.
And at the back of the issue, there's a bit of Elle Bamber in ACTING UP, shot by Clay S Gardner. I don't know much about her, but it feels like she should be on the cover instead. Not in terms of these images, but due to her being... possibly a lot more interesting than the YSL spokesmodel who's on the front instead.
The beauty section isn't anything special this month, when usually it's one of the best things about UK Elle. There's an editorial about pigment, which translates to block sections of primary colour eyeshadow. It's good - but is that all you've got for the one month where even those with perennially bare faces can be persuaded to put on some face paint for a party? I rename that yellow eyeshadow look 'piss-poor'.
In short: this magazine thinks it's being clever this month by pretending Christmas doesn't really exist, because that'll set it apart from its competitors. Yes, possibly not in the way that people want.