‘Euphoria’ Star Hunter Schafer Goes Surreal in a Dreamlike Elle Cover Shoot
Hunter Schafer has never been one to play it safe with fashion, and her latest magazine moment might be her most artistic yet. The ‘Euphoria’ star covers the November issue of Elle, which hits newsstands on November 3 and is already available online.
The timing couldn’t be better. Schafer is stepping into her first TV lead role in ‘Blade Runner 2099’, and the accompanying interview, written by Lotte Jeffs, explores that milestone alongside her thoughts on queerness, celebrity and spirituality.
The images were photographed and art directed by Szilveszter Makó. The Milan-based Hungarian fashion photographer is known for an illustrative, theatrical, and surrealist style, and he has previously shot stars including Elle Fanning, Willem Dafoe and Anya Taylor-Joy.
His signature approach is on full display here. The spread feels less like a typical fashion shoot and more like a collection of paintings, with painterly backdrops and muted, moody lighting created by set designer Edith Di Monda.
Each frame delivers its own strange and striking mood. In one, Schafer stands in a feathery black dress against a vivid painted backdrop of curling flames, while another shows her in a sculptural metallic strapless gown paired with long black opera gloves.
Hunter Schafer photographed by Szilveszter Makó for the latest issue of ELLE Magazine. 📷 https://t.co/bFOQECKBnR
— Film Crave (@_filmcrave) October 19, 2026
The most talked-about image features her in a cream coat trimmed with dark fur, cradling a large knitted rat. The quirky prop has quickly become a fan favorite online, with some even celebrating the “Rat Bag” making it big.
Stylist Jessica Willis pulled together a mix of high fashion and cultural heritage pieces. Schafer wears a Prada top layered over traditional Sárköz and Kalotaszeg costume petticoats from the Tulipan Foundation, along with shoes from the Jeremyn Lee Archive.
Other looks include a Tom Ford cardigan and pencil skirt, Prada bags and bags by TheDollKeyper, while the lead image features a sweater and skirt from Marc Jacobs. Hair was handled by Pablo Kümin, with makeup by Raoul Alejandre.
Hunter Schafer stuns for Elle Magazine 📸: Szilveszter Makó https://t.co/aFAIcZZIm8
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) October 19, 2026
As with many bold editorials, the reaction online has been mixed. Some fans called the images incredible and said they have never seen a Makó shoot they didn’t like. Others felt the concept was starting to feel familiar, arguing that the photographer’s signature style needed more variation. Still, even critics acknowledged the craftsmanship and the playful details that make the spread stand out.
Beyond the visuals, the cover story offers a candid look at Schafer’s life right now. She discusses playing Cora in ‘Blade Runner 2099’, a human posing as a replicant Blade Runner, describing the role as a tough, serious character who barely smiles.
She also reflects on how futuristic stories often feel sterile and overly clean, and she shares her dream of making a trans girl romantic comedy. In the same conversation, she revealed she underwent gender-affirming surgery in December and said she loves the results.
Hunter Schafer covers for ELLE Magazine 😍 💕 https://t.co/2FRwn3a1G4
— Hunter Schafer Archives (@Hunterschaferf) October 19, 2026
The Elle shoot caps off a big year of fashion moments for Schafer. At the 2026 Met Gala, she channeled a Klimt painting in a Prada gown with deliberately torn holes, and she later wore a custom velvet Prada look to the Academy Museum Gala.
She also starred in Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 campaign, created with artist Anne Collier alongside Carey Mulligan, Nicholas Hoult and Damson Idris. Her latest cover proves she remains one of the most adventurous fashion stars of her generation.
What do you think of Hunter Schafer’s surreal ‘Elle’ cover shoot by Szilveszter Makó?
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