Fresh Air for Elle

The fashion magazine Elle has long been losing its edge. The magazine has been stuck in third place behind Vogue and In Style for years, but Elle refuses to remain stagnant and predictable any longer. With the magazine’s redesign in September, Elle has proved to its readers that it still has the content for a cover-to-cover read. For the last three months Elle has recreated itself in a subtle, but exciting way.
The initial redesign buzz was caused by the editor's choice to put Lindsey Lohan on the cover. Readers responded hesitantly at the choice to put a relapsing drug addict on the cover of the respectable publication. Despite the executive decision readers were impressed by the magazines bold move to increase the health and fashion features and investigative reporting sections and cut down on the needless yip-yap. The magazine focused mostly on expanding the editorial content to attract readers. Elle has widened the fashion news section and provided readers with insider information. This attracts the intelligent fashion reader, who is not only interested in the clothing, but also the industry.
The redesign also addressed layout and content for the pages. The design team worked to slightly clean up the clutter of the spreads by modernizing and simplifying. In addition, a fresh team of writers and photographers are now delivering the content.
The long-time creative director Gilles Bensimon, 63, is now stepping down from his position and allowing Joe Zee to take his place. Another fresh breath for Elle is the new editorial director, Amy Gross, who was hired from Mirabella to help Elle. These small changes have resulted in a huge applause from its readers.
The new leaders of Elle have helped to redirect and refocus the magazine to keep it on track, modern and much better than before.