Kendall Jenner’s August 2021 ELLE Cover: Embracing Edgy Fall Fashion with Unmatched Supermodel Grace

Supermodel Kendall Jenner, a consistent presence on the world’s most prestigious magazine covers, commanded attention once again in the August 2021 issue of ELLE. This particular editorial photoshoot showcased Kendall’s incredible versatility and her undeniable status as a fashion icon, as she effortlessly modeled a series of edgy yet sophisticated fall looks. Shot in Los Angeles, the captivating images captured the essence of autumnal high fashion, beautifully complemented by Jenner’s striking new hairstyle: a shaggy mullet with delicate curtain bangs that framed her face with a fresh, modern sensibility. The entire spread served as a powerful declaration of upcoming fall trends, with Kendall at the forefront, defining what’s chic and daring for the season ahead. Her ability to merge high-fashion couture with a touch of street-style grunge underscored her unique position as a trendsetter, making this ELLE feature a definitive moment in contemporary fashion.

The photoshoot, masterfully lensed by renowned fashion photographer Zoey Grossman, embraced a distinctively grungy yet refined aesthetic, a refreshing departure from some of Kendall’s typically more polished work. This creative direction allowed for a raw, authentic portrayal of the supermodel, emphasizing the intricate details and rebellious spirit of each designer ensemble. One of the most visually arresting looks from this collection expertly fused high fashion with an unexpected street-style edge. Kendall was captured wearing a pair of alluring black Wolford fishnet tights, which provided a textural, provocative layer beneath more substantial pieces. These were thoughtfully paired with high-waisted black NakedCashmere briefs, adding a subtle layer of luxury and discreet comfort that speaks to modern sensuality. The upper half of the ensemble was dominated by an oversized black Prada bomber jacket, a quintessential piece that exudes urban cool and effortless sophistication. This was brilliantly balanced by a cropped lace Aisling Camps top, which introduced a delicate touch of femininity and intricate detail. Completing this bold statement were chunky Prada platform shoes, grounding the look with their undeniable presence and adding significant height, making the entire silhouette commanding. This particular outfit masterfully blended toughness with elegance, highlighting Kendall’s unparalleled ability to carry complex fashion narratives and make them her own.

The photoshoot reached a peak of high-octane glamour and innovative styling with an undeniably captivating look that saw Kendall adorned head-to-toe in Celine by Hedi Slimane. This ensemble, featured prominently and often cited as one of the standout moments, comprised a metallic silver pleated dress that shimmered with an ethereal quality, catching the light with every subtle movement. The dress featured a daring plunging V-neckline that added a touch of sophisticated allure and modern confidence. What made this look truly exceptional was the intricate and unexpected layering: the elegant, flowing dress was juxtaposed with an oversized plaid jacket, which was then creatively worn over a classic denim jacket, and surprisingly, a cozy hoodie. This audacious combination of textures, patterns, and casual-meets-couture elements – metallic sheen, robust denim, soft plaid, and the comfort of a hoodie – created a dynamic visual symphony, boldly pushing the boundaries of traditional fall styling. The ensemble was impeccably finished with a pair of sleek, knee-length leather boots, which anchored the complex layering with a sense of polished strength and contemporary edge. This particular image powerfully underscored Kendall’s unique ability to transform disparate elements into a cohesive, high-fashion statement, making it an unforgettable moment in the entire editorial spread.

Continuing the trend of bold and distinctive fashion choices, Kendall also showcased her incredible figure in a striking LaQuan Smith bustier top. Known for his unapologetically body-conscious and empowering designs, LaQuan Smith’s influence was overtly evident in this skintight piece that masterfully celebrated the female silhouette. Expertly styled with a pair of minimal yet luxurious NakedCashmere briefs, this particular look exuded an air of modern confidence and sophisticated sensuality. It served as a powerful testament to the idea that elegance can indeed coexist with daring exposure when executed with such precision and poise. The pairing highlighted Kendall’s long, lean physique with understated grace, making it abundantly clear why she remains one of the most sought-after models in the industry for showcasing such intricate and form-fitting designs. This outfit captured a slightly different facet of the editorial’s overarching mood, leaning more into a sleek, alluring aesthetic rather than the gritty grunge, yet still maintaining an underlying edge through its minimalist but profoundly impactful statement of self-assurance.

The meticulous progression of outfits throughout the ELLE shoot demonstrated a seamless and captivating blend of fierce femininity and sophisticated autumnal styling. Another compelling ensemble featured a plunging black N°21 by Alessandro Dell’Acqua bodysuit, a piece that epitomized sleek design and subtle sex appeal with its impeccably tailored form. Layered over this daring base was a classic plaid button-down shirt, creating an intriguing contrast between the fitted, sensual foundation and the more relaxed, patterned outer layer. This was expertly paired with rugged yet stylish Khaite boots, adding a practical, grounded element to the otherwise daring look, bridging the gap between high fashion and everyday wearability. Further embracing the vibrant spirit of fall, Kendall later donned a striking red plaid Dior top. This piece was a playful and luxurious reinterpretation of traditional plaid, featuring dramatically exaggerated sleeves that added a theatrical, high-fashion flair. Strikingly, this bold top was styled minimally with just a pair of briefs and fishnets, allowing the intricate design of the shirt and Kendall’s confident pose to command full attention. This particular styling choice highlighted the editorial’s recurring theme of pushing boundaries and redefining how fall fashion can be both elegantly provocative and inherently chic, effortlessly blending comfort with audacious design.

Perhaps the most avant-garde and visually arresting look presented in the August 2021 ELLE spread involved a pair of truly extraordinary Balenciaga boots. These were not just any boots; they were dramatically thigh-high, meticulously crafted from metal, and possessed a distinctly robotic, futuristic aesthetic that immediately captivated the eye. Their metallic gleam, rigid structure, and unconventional design made them an undeniable statement piece, pushing the boundaries of footwear design into the realm of wearable art. To temper the extreme edginess and bold futurism of these remarkable boots, Kendall’s styling genius came brilliantly into play. She expertly paired them with a pale floral Balenciaga dress, which offered a softer, more ethereal, and surprisingly harmonious contrast. A sleek black turtleneck worn underneath the dress further grounded the ensemble, adding a sophisticated layer of modesty and warmth that allowed the boots to remain the undeniable focal point without overwhelming the overall look. This ingenious combination demonstrated a masterful understanding of balance and contrast in high fashion, proving that even the wildest, most experimental pieces can be seamlessly integrated into a chic and cohesive outfit, especially when championed by a model as confident and capable as Kendall Jenner, who consistently dares to redefine sartorial norms.

Throughout the entirety of the ELLE photoshoot, Kendall Jenner exemplified precisely why she remains at the absolute pinnacle of the fashion industry. Her uncanny ability to embody diverse aesthetics, ranging from grunge-inspired streetwear and rebellious edge to opulent high couture and sophisticated allure, is simply unparalleled. Each outfit, meticulously curated by the magazine’s esteemed styling team and brought to life with profound artistry by Zoey Grossman’s discerning lens, became a powerful testament to Jenner’s chameleon-like adaptability and profound understanding of fashion. Whether she was sporting a shaggy mullet with curtain bangs, masterfully layering multiple designer jackets, or confidently strutting in metallic robotic boots, Kendall exuded an effortless confidence and natural charisma that made even the most unconventional garments appear entirely natural and intrinsically “her.” She doesn’t merely wear clothes; she inhabits them, transforming runway pieces into wearable art that resonates deeply with a global audience. This particular August 2021 ELLE editorial serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of her significant influence in shaping contemporary style, solidifying her status not just as a supermodel, but as a genuine style icon who continuously pushes fashion boundaries and inspires trends worldwide. Her captivating contribution to this issue wasn’t merely a photoshoot; it was a compelling and beautifully articulated narrative of modern fall fashion, interpreted through the unique and transformative lens of one of the world’s most recognizable and influential faces.