Natalia Vodianova Is ‘Retouched to Hell and Back’ on the Covers of ELLE Arabia

OK, we admit that ELLE Arabia doesn’t command our attention all that often here at theFashionSpot (if at all, in all honesty). However, ELLE Arabia has our undivided attention, having secured Natalia Vodianova as cover star for July/August 2025. Dina Spahi tapped the Russian supermodel as the Arabian title celebrates 80 years of ELLE (founded by Hélène Gordon Lazareff and first published in France in November 1945). Bryce Anderson was brought in as cover shoot photographer, complete with styling from Hugo Toucas, and resulting in two commemorative covers. In cover one, Vodianova poses high above the rooftops of Paris wearing Givenchy (and rocking some Guerlain glam). In the second cover (after the jump), Toucas selected ravishing red creations from Patou and Milan-based milliner Bonfilio Hats by Pasquale Bonfilio.

“Despite not liking the covers, this is by far (in terms of her face) the closest Natalia Vodianova has come to what she usually looks like,” noted DK92 upon first look at the covers.

“WAY TOO RETOUCHED! My gosh! Natalia is barely human on the first one and mostly unrecognizable unless you read her name. The second one is better because it’s creative with the color but again: way way too retouched,” exclaimed Bertrando3.

“I know it’s his aesthetic but damn it’s giving AI,” chimed in forum member berbe.

Sharing the same sentiments was WAVES, commenting: “Retouched to hell and back!”

See more of Natalia Vodianova from the ELLE Arabia July/August 2025 cover shoot and join the conversation, here.