Worth noting: There are four actual models on four different covers of the October issue of Elle. This is the first time a model has been on the cover in eight years. The ladies are well-known names: Miranda Kerr, Chanel Ima, Adriana Lima and Doutzen Kroes. It's both intriguing and disorienting to see models on a mainstream woman's magazine again; the effect is both retro and somehow new and fresh. Ladymags had fallen into in a rut in the last few years; recycling and alternating the same 15 Hollywood celebs, including Aniston, Kidman, Simpson, SJP and Johansson. But the ubiquitous blonde actresses and singers we saw a couple of years ago have been set aside for women who make a living out of posing and shilling clothes. At least for a month! Whether this change can translate into great newsstand sales remains to be seen. But this former magazine junkie — who hasn't picked up a ladymag for personal perusing in months — is definitely buying one. I just have to decide: Will it be awesomely smiley Chanel Iman? Or frakking fierce Adriana?

Elle Puts Models on Its October 2011 Cover - The First Time in Over Eight Years [Fashionologie]
Miranda, Chanel, Doutzen And Adriana For October 2011 ELLE Magazines [The Life Files]