Cardi B Dominates Elle’s September Cover: A Vision of Diamonds, Edgy Piercings, and Avant-Garde High Fashion

Another day, another groundbreaking achievement for the multi-talented Cardi B. The 27-year-old rap sensation has once again solidified her status as a force in both music and fashion, gracing the coveted September 2020 cover of Elle magazine. This isn’t just any cover; the September issue is traditionally the most significant and trend-setting of the year in the fashion world, making Cardi B’s feature a monumental moment. She looks absolutely breathtaking, embodying a fusion of opulent luxury and her signature fearless style.

For the primary cover shot, Cardi B captivated audiences with a mesmerizing close-up portrait that put her striking features on full display. Her head was completely adorned by an extraordinary crystal Area wig, a true work of art that enveloped her hair and sculpted her silhouette with dazzling precision. This intricate wig wasn’t merely an accessory; it was a central piece of sculpture, featuring cascading strands of diamonds that elegantly draped down her chest, while the main body of the wig wrapped sensuously around her head and neck. The effect was nothing short of regal, transforming her into a modern-day queen, shimmering with every facet. To amplify this already brilliant ensemble, she incorporated even more glam with Mordekai by Ken Borochov diamond bracelet cuffs, which boasted long, delicate silver strands that flowed with graceful movement. A strapless, crystal-embellished dress further enhanced the overall glittering aesthetic, creating a seamless, head-to-toe sparkle. Adding an unexpected, edgy twist to the high-glamour look were three delicate diamond piercings strategically placed down her sternum, offering a subtle yet impactful statement of individuality and luxury.

The meticulous attention to detail extended to Cardi’s makeup and other personal touches. For the cover, her beauty look was defined by a sultry light brown smokey eye, expertly blended to create depth and allure. This was perfectly complemented by extra voluminous lashes that framed her eyes, adding a dramatic yet feminine touch. Her lips were painted in a sophisticated nude hue, expertly lined with a dark brown pencil for definition and then coated in a high-shine gloss, achieving a plump and irresistible pout. Throughout the entire editorial photoshoot, Cardi B proudly put her signature labret piercing on full display. This subtle yet striking feature, a tiny diamond stud pierced just below the center of her bottom lip and delicately above her chin, served as a personal emblem amidst the high fashion. It highlighted her penchant for blending traditional glamour with her unique, urban edge. Completing her fiercely stylish cover aesthetic were insanely long, sharply pointed black-tipped fingernails, a signature element that perfectly encapsulated her bold and uncompromising persona. These nails weren’t just an accessory; they were an extension of her artistic expression, known to be a consistent part of her elaborate styling choices.

The visual narrative of Cardi B’s September issue feature continued to unfold with a series of equally captivating and innovative looks captured by the legendary photographer Steven Klein. Klein, known for his provocative and high-impact style, perfectly aligned with Cardi B’s daring aesthetic, creating imagery that is both stunning and memorable. Each subsequent photograph revealed Cardi in a fresh, shiny look, reinforcing the overarching theme of extravagance and bold fashion statements that defined the issue. These editorial spreads went beyond mere clothing, showcasing a transformative journey through contemporary high fashion.

Among our absolute favorite photos from the spread was a mesmerizing depiction of Cardi B immersed in head-to-toe Paco Rabanne, a brand renowned for its futuristic and metallic designs. For this particular ensemble, her head was beautifully enveloped in an intricately crafted gold and silver chain hood, a testament to the brand’s iconic use of unconventional materials. This hood was composed of myriad small, shimmering gold and silver triangle charms, meticulously arranged to create a captivating pattern that delicately covered her forehead and framed her face with an almost armored elegance. Complementing this unique headpiece, she sported a matching metal top, designed with a daring low cut that added to the powerful and confident aura of the look. The combination of the chain hood and the metal top showcased a bold fusion of haute couture and a warrior-like sensibility, perfectly aligning with Cardi B’s fearless approach to style. This Paco Rabanne moment wasn’t just about wearing clothes; it was about embodying a vision of strength and sophisticated artistry, a testament to the seamless collaboration between artist and designer in creating unforgettable fashion moments.

In what could arguably be described as another standout image from the comprehensive photoshoot, Cardi B presented a vision of ethereal glamour and mysterious allure. She looked utterly gorgeous in a long-sleeve, silver and black off-the-shoulder sequin Balenciaga top. The shimmering sequins caught the light with every subtle movement, creating a dynamic and luxurious texture that exuded high fashion. However, the true focal point of this particular ensemble was the striking accessory that veiled her face: a delicate yet impactful mesh black Swarovski crystal veil designed by Keren Wolf. This veil added an element of enigmatic sophistication, playing with transparency and sparkle to both obscure and enhance her features. The crystals caught the studio lights, casting a captivating glow that added to the overall mystique of the shot. Her hair was styled to complement this look with impeccable precision – a super short, sleek, straight black bob featuring sharp, blunt bangs that elegantly covered her forehead. This hairstyle provided a strong, graphic counterpoint to the softness of the veil and the sparkle of the sequins, creating a perfectly balanced and unforgettable image that spoke volumes about her versatility as a style icon and her willingness to explore diverse fashion aesthetics.

The entire September issue feature of Cardi B in Elle magazine is a masterclass in celebrity styling and editorial photography, showcasing her unique ability to blend street style with high fashion and avant-garde luxury. From the intricate diamond-encrusted Area wig and Mordekai cuffs to the daring Paco Rabanne metallics and the sophisticated Balenciaga sequin and Keren Wolf veil ensemble, each look was meticulously curated to highlight Cardi B’s bold personality and her unwavering influence on global fashion trends. Her distinctive labret piercing, often seen as a personal signature, was seamlessly integrated into these luxurious settings, proving that individuality and haute couture can coexist beautifully. The collaboration with renowned photographer Steven Klein ensured that every image was not just a photograph, but a piece of art, perfectly capturing the essence of Cardi B’s magnetic charisma and her groundbreaking position in popular culture. This spread is more than just a fashion pictorial; it’s a powerful statement about identity, luxury, and the fearless embrace of personal style, solidifying Cardi B’s status as a true fashion icon whose impact resonates far beyond the music industry. We absolutely loved Cardi’s cover shoot and anticipate its profound impact on fashion discussions, eagerly awaiting the moment the magazine officially hit newsstands on September 8th, bringing this stunning visual narrative to the public.