There were far too many amazing role models and inspirational women for us to choose from for our inaugural Wonder Women Issue, that we couldn't just settle for one cover star.

And two cover stars didn't feel enough either.

So we decided to shoot four special covers for our November issue, featuring Ashley Graham, Susan Sarandon, Beth Ditto and Alek Wek.

Ashley Graham cover for ELLE Wonder Women issue November 2017pinterest
Gilles Bensimon
Ashley Graham photographed by Gilles Bensimon for the cover of ELLE\'s Wonder Women issue

We chose these four trailblazing women, from the worlds of fashion, music and film, because of their ability to stand out and be themselves.

These women, who span different generations and backgrounds, share their stories, the good and the bad, and encourage other women, whatever their age, to do the same.

And if that isn't enough, we commissioned four equally impressive women to interview them.

Alek Wek photographed for ELLE's Wonder Women issue by Liz Collinspinterest
Liz Collins
Alek Wek photographed for ELLE\'s Wonder Women issue by Liz Collins

Find out what happened when model Ashley Graham met designer Donna Karan in her New York store Urban Zen.

Susan Sarandon shares some sage advice with Kiernan Shipka, her 17-year-old co-star in upcoming series Feud.

Susan Sarandon photographed by Thomas Whiteside for the ELLE Wonder Women issuepinterest
Thomas Whiteside
Susan Sarandon photographed by Thomas Whiteside for the cover of ELLE\'s Wonder Women issue

While musician and LGBTQ campaigner Beth Ditto talks to rock icon Debbie Harry about everything from religion to fashion, and how much to drink before going on stage. Look out for the recording of their interview, coming soon.

Beth Ditto on the cover of ELLE's Wonder Women issue, photographed by Sofia Sanchez and Mauro Mongiellopinterest
Sofia Sanchez and Mauro Mongiello
Beth Ditto on the cover of ELLE\'s Wonder Women issue, photographed by Sofia Sanchez and Mauro Mongiello

Our final cover star, the pioneering supermodel Alex Wek, always stood out as a hero for fellow model Poppy Okotcha. They talk about what makes you stand out in the fashion world, and why young people should never feel weird: 'Feel empowered - quirks are what make you unique,' says Alek.

It's the perfect advice. And brilliantly sums up ELLE's Wonder Women issue, on sale now.

The November issue hits newsstands from Tuesday 17 October.

Headshot of Hannah Nathanson
Hannah Nathanson
Features Director
Hannah Nathanson is Features Director at ELLE. She commissions, edits and writes stories for online and print, spanning everything from ’Generation Flake’ to cover profiles with Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber. One of her most surreal moments as a journalist has been ‘chairing’ a conversation between Jodie Comer and Phoebe Waller-Bridge from her living room. The word she says most in the office is ‘podcast’.