Kicking off the anniversary, February issue cover star Cynthia Erivo talks to journalist Afua Hirsch about the joy of starring in Wicked, her journey to self-acceptance, and future career aspirations. In partnership with Louis Vuitton, ELLE UK will bring the pages of the issue to life with an intimate cocktail reception on 23 January.

In the forty years since its launch, ELLE has established itself as a leading brand celebrated for bringing together established and emerging names within the creative industry. Building on this legacy, in 2025 ELLE will expand its Generation Next programme, offering emerging designers an opportunity to accelerate their career and gain support from experts within the fashion industry.

The winner of the recently-announced Generation Next prize, which will be judged by fashion designers including Simone Rocha and Marco Capaldo, and includes a cash grant and mentoring from business leader Eric Collins, will be announced next month ahead of London Fashion Week.

Kenya Hunt, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE UK, says: ‘We are proud to celebrate ELLE’s 40^th anniversary in the UK. From the rising-star designers and cultural figures to know, to energising ways to style our wardrobes that reflect our new reality, ELLE has always been a place of discovery ahead of its time. We look forward to marking this milestone with a year of events that pay tribute to legends from our past, while introducing you to the rising powerhouses who will define our next 40 years.”

There will also be numerous events bringing together members from the ELLE COLLECTIVE – the brand’s fashion and beauty membership community launched in 2023 – for exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content, inspiring advice from editors and industry experts, as well as the opportunity to meet designers, stylists, thought-leaders, and creatives.

Other activations to mark this milestone will include a series of performances, screenings, and talks to celebrate the trailblazers across fashion, art, film, music, sustainability, and politics who will define the next 40 years.

The February issue is on newsstands now.  ELLE US will also be celebrating its 40^th anniversary in 2025.