On November 21st, 1945, the Russian-born, Paris-raised Hélène Lazareff launched a modern women’s magazine that would become a staple in every woman’s home in France. Inspired by her time spent in New York during World War II, Lazareff developed her own concept for a women’s magazine whose key editorial approach was to provide women with exclusive and unparalleled access to fashion and beauty, while maintaining a closeness to its readers.

The cornerstone of the magazine was its underlying tone of “Irony in seriousness, and seriousness in frivolity”.
She wanted only the best for her readers, held them in esteem, and felt they deserved to finally be regarded as strong and independent women, actresses in their society, who were invested in key issues, gaining their financial independence and being equal to men.

The internationalisation of ELLE began in the United States and the United Kingdom in 1985 and presently counts 45 editions around the world. Lazareff’s unique visions were transformed into a concept so strong and relevant to women that it has become a global brand.

A brand of bias and convictions, with a strong societal engagement (Find out more on ELLE’s engagements here).

ELLE is the Number One Female Media Brand in the world.
ELLE International is made up of three divisions: ELLE International Media licenses, ELLE International Advertising Sales House (LGA), ELLE International Non-Media Licenses (LAE). The ELLE Brand is present in 80 countries and developed under media licenses agreements with now the 175 partners in the worlds.
21 M women enjoy reading one of the 45 ELLE Editions and reaching 175 M readers each month across our digital and social media platforms.
There is an ELLE for everyone: 25 ELLE Decoration, 5 ELLE à Table for the food lovers, 1 ELLE Men and 1 ELLE Girl for the younger generation.
Whether you are interested in fashion, beauty, traveling or kids, you’ll find what you are looking for in the ELLE Brand.