Since becoming ELLE editor-in-chief in 2017 (having succeeded the long-serving Robbie Myers), Nina Garcia has most definitely demonstrated the ability to secure the crème de la crème from the world of fashion, entertainment, and beyond as cover stars. This year alone, names like Raye, Odessa A’zion, and Sofia Coppola have become ELLE cover girls. Joining Coppola as an ELLE cover star this month is Olivia Dean, who takes to the second selection of covers for the April 2026 edition of the magazine. Shot by Felix Cooper, the “Man I Need” hitmaker is celebrated across a duo of dynamic covers. Styled by ELLE fashion director Alex White, the Grammy Award-winning talent wears new season looks from Balenciaga and Chanel.
Olivia Dean for US ELLE April 2026
Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:
“It’s amazing how much more in tune Nina Garcia is than Anna or that new woman who took her place. I just wish ELLE had a bigger budget and more creativity, but in terms of choosing people for the cover, they’ve already left Vogue behind,” applauded DK92.
“Are they in tune?” KoV responded. “For me, they seem to have no POV. Whatever the latest it-girl is, they give her a cover a few months after she reaches a high-enough level of mainstream success or notoriety to justify it. Or they’ll just do the obvious thing where they give someone the cover the month before their big project (album or film) gets released. It’s just… the most obvious PR moves ever.”
“Dare I say I even like this better than the Sofia Coppola cover? This feels far more in tune with what American ELLE would typically produce. I love the colours and that red sequined Chanel dress. Not even an Olivia Dean fan, but the hair is EVERYTHING here!” raved vogue28.
After all, not everyone was in agreement. “Sorry, but I feel like Olivia Dean is a bit boring – like her songs,” shared forum member fashionsavvvvvy.
“They’ve managed to make such a beautiful and enigmatic woman look quite dull and plain,” noted Kite.
See more of Olivia Dean from the US ELLE April 2026 cover shoot and click here to join the conversation.
