ELLE Magazine: History, Founder, and Global Influence

The History of ELLE Magazine: From Paris to a Global Fashion and Beauty Brand

ELLE Magazine is one of the most famous and influential women’s fashion and lifestyle publications in the world.
The brand was born in Paris in 1945 and today has a presence in more than 40 countries, reaching millions of readers across different languages and cultures.

Source: Wikipedia – Elle (magazine)

The Beginning of ELLE Magazine

Everything started in post-war Paris.
At that time, women were looking for inspiration, freedom, and a renewed sense of identity.
During this period, Hélène Gordon-Lazareff, a talented French journalist who had previously worked in the U.S., decided to create a new kind of magazine for women.

The first issue of ELLE was published on November 21, 1945, immediately sparking a revolution in women’s media.
The name “ELLE” in French means “She” or “Woman”, clearly reflecting the magazine’s main purpose and audience.

Source: Britannica – Elle, French fashion magazine

The Vision and Mission of ELLE

Hélène believed that women should enjoy fashion while also playing a more active role in society.
That’s why ELLE was never just about clothes — it was a mix of fashion, beauty, culture, cooking, relationships, and women’s social issues.

This smart blend quickly made ELLE the voice of the modern French woman.
Its famous slogan perfectly expressed this idea:

“Si elle lit, elle lit ELLE.”
(“If she reads, she reads ELLE.”)

Meaning: This French wordplay suggests that if a woman is smart and curious, her natural choice is ELLE — a subtle yet powerful way to position the magazine as the ultimate women’s publication.

Source: Elleboutique.com – About ELLE

Growth and Global Expansion

Over the following decades, ELLE grew rapidly.
The English edition launched in the UK in 1985, followed by the U.S. edition in 1986.
By the 1990s, international editions of ELLE were being published all over the world.

Today, ELLE is available in more than 40 countries and published in over 30 languages.
The brand is part of the Lagardère Active Media Group, which manages its international editions and licensing.

Source: Lagardère Group – ELLE International

Entering the Digital Era

With the start of the 21st century, ELLE embraced digital transformation.
ELLE.com quickly became one of the most visited fashion and lifestyle platforms worldwide, featuring articles, interviews, educational videos, and exclusive reports from top fashion weeks.

Beyond publishing, ELLE has evolved into a complete lifestyle brand, expanding into fragrance, apparel, accessories, home décor, and fashion events.

Source: The Fashion Law – The Making of a Modern Magazine

The Secret Behind ELLE’s Longevity

The secret to ELLE’s lasting success lies in three key principles:

A deep understanding of the modern woman
Adapting to cultural and technological change
Staying true to its French authenticity and human tone

ELLE has always portrayed women as independent, creative, and inspiring, not just as trend followers.
In the 1960s, it was one of the first magazines to feature Black models on its cover — a bold move that remains part of its inclusive identity today.

Source: Public Relations Germany – ELLE Profile

Fun Historical Facts

The first issue had only 16 pages.
Hélène Gordon-Lazareff was under 40 years old when she founded ELLE.
In the 1960s, the magazine had a circulation of over 800,000 copies in France.
The online version now attracts over 100 million monthly visitors.
The ELLE brand owns over 25 registered product lines, from perfumes to furniture.

Source: ELLE Around The World – Key Facts

Conclusion

ELLE Magazine is more than a fashion publication — it’s a symbol of women who are smart, stylish, and influential.
From 1945 to today, ELLE has continually evolved with the modern world while staying true to its core message: