ELLE was founded by Hélène Lazareff on November 21st, 1945.

The Russian-born, Paris-raised journalist had returned to France after several years in New-York working for major media titles. She began to develop her own concept for a women’s magazine whose key editorial approach was “ to open women’s appetites ”.

At that time Paris had been ravaged by the war. That is why the mission of Hélène Lazareff was so unique, bold and revolutionary: a woman creating a magazine that would be run by a woman. The mission was to provide women with exclusive and unparalleled access to fashion and beauty while maintaining a closeness to its readers.

ELLE was to be a magazine of bias and convictions, women were considered to be key players in society's evolution … motivating them to invest themselves in major issues, gain their financial independence. The cornerstone of the magazine was its underlying tone of “irony in seriousness, and seriousness in frivolty".

ELLE has democratized fashion. It was the first fashion magazine to display the connection where high fashion and the street meet. Helene Lazareff's unique vision has evolved into such a strong and relevant concept for women that it is a global brand today.

The international roll-out of ELLE began in the United States in 1985. It presently counts 45 editions around the world , with more to come. ELLE is the world’s No.1 fashion magazine network .

At ELLE, style is about everything. From the way a woman lives, to where she travels, to her taste in music, art, food, cars, and technology.  (Elle)