The former United States First Lady Michelle Obama takes the cover story of American Elle Magazine‘s December 2018 edition captured by fashion photographer Miller Mobley. Styling is work of Meredith Koop, with prop styling from Theresa Rivera at MHS Artists, and production by Nathalie Akiya at Kranky Produktions. In charge of beauty were hair stylist Yene Damtew, and makeup artist Carl Ray.
“People always ask me, “Why is it that you’re so authentic?” “How is it that people connect to you?” And I think it starts because I like me. I like my story and all the bumps and bruises. That’s what makes me uniquely me. So I’ve always been open with my staff, with young people, with my friends. And the other thing, Oprah: I know that whether we like it or not, Barack and I are role models. I hate when people who are in the public eye—and even seek the public eye—want to step back and say, “Well, I’m not a role model. I don’t want that responsibility.” Too late. You are. Young people are looking at you. And I don’t want young people to look at me here and now and think, Well, she never had it rough. She never had challenges, she never had fears.” – Michelle Obama for ELLE US, on writing about private life in her upcoming book Becoming.
