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| ELLE China March 2026: Dilraba Dilmurat Becomes First Post-90s Star to Achieve Women’s Magazine Grand Slam (Photo: ELLE) |
Dilraba Dilmurat has officially raised the bar again. The actress and global fashion darling has made history by landing a dual cover for ELLE China’s March 2026 issue, becoming the first post-90s-born artist to complete a full grand slam across the five major women’s magazine key months. It’s a milestone moment that instantly places her at the very top of China’s fashion power rankings.
For this special issue, Dilraba fronts ELLE China in two sharply contrasting visual concepts, both styled in Dior Spring/Summer 2026. The dual-cover format doesn’t just show range, it underlines why she’s become one of the industry’s most dependable faces when it comes to both high fashion and mass appeal.
The jewellery edition leans fully into elegance and authority. With long, jet-black straight hair and cool-toned makeup, Dilraba delivers a restrained yet commanding presence.
The Dior jewellery takes centre stage, especially the bold face chain featuring beetle and four-leaf clover motifs, creating a sculptural, almost regal atmosphere.
Shot from carefully chosen angles, the visuals highlight her facial structure with precision, resulting in a look that feels both artistic and high-impact.
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| ELLE |
In contrast, the ready-to-wear edition flips the mood entirely. Dilraba appears with a short hairstyle that feels fresh, confident, and deliberately unexpected.
Strong colour choices and a clean, minimalist composition reinforce a theme of renewal and reinvention. The shift between the two covers is dramatic but controlled, further proving her ability to adapt visually without losing her identity.
Behind the camera, the creative team plays a key role in shaping this success. Photographer Fan Xin reunites with Dilraba for their fourth collaboration, continuing a creative partnership that’s grown increasingly refined over time.
Known for using low angles and side lighting to emphasise bone structure, Fan Xin’s approach gives the images a sharp yet polished finish.
Makeup artist Wang Yafei introduces a nude-focused look under the theme “Free and Easy Blossoming,” allowing Dilraba’s natural features to remain the focal point.
Hair stylist Fang Ke and stylist Wang An complete the narrative with seamless transitions between hairstyles and Dior’s latest designs, ensuring the two covers feel distinct but still part of one cohesive story.
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| ELLE |
With this ELLE China appearance, Dilraba officially completes her women’s magazine grand slam, covering opening issues, year-end editions, September, October, and anniversary issues across the major titles.
She has now appeared on ELLE China’s cover four times and has also secured four consecutive opening issues of top women’s magazines. In 2026 alone, she has already featured on the covers of Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, and ELLE.
These achievements place her comfortably ahead of many of her contemporaries, reinforcing her long-standing reputation in the fashion world. It’s no surprise that industry insiders frequently refer to her as the “Queen of September,” a title earned through consistency rather than hype.
Fan and netizen reactions to the ELLE China dual cover have been wide-ranging and lively. Many praised the long black hair look as instantly iconic, calling it classic, powerful, and timeless. Others were more drawn to the short-haired styling, describing it as bold, modern, and refreshingly fearless.
Discussions also focused heavily on the jewellery styling, with the face chain becoming a talking point for its unusual placement and strong visual effect.
The tag related to the face jewellery quickly gained traction, with fans applauding how the accessories worked in harmony with Dilraba’s facial structure rather than overpowering it. Fan Xin’s photography style was another hot topic, with viewers noting the balance between realism and artistic luxury.
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| ELLE |
As a global Dior ambassador, Dilraba continues to show an unusually strong alignment with the brand’s identity. Her repeated presence in major fashion publications throughout 2026 further cements her position as one of Dior’s most effective and recognisable representatives, blending elegance, strength, and trend awareness in equal measure.
This ELLE China project also reflects the fashion industry’s deep trust in Dilraba’s personal influence. Each appearance goes beyond surface-level visuals, delivering a clear and memorable style narrative that resonates across different age groups and fashion preferences.
Public enthusiasm has followed naturally, with many fans expressing interest in collecting the issue as a keepsake rather than just a magazine purchase. That organic response speaks volumes about her growing commercial value and long-term appeal.
What do you think about Dilraba Dilmurat’s ELLE China dual cover? Which version stands out more to you, the jewellery edition or the ready-to-wear look?