A wise woman once said, “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag.” With the spring 2025 collections allowing women everywhere to explore all facets of their being, V invited ten timeless beauties, both familiar and first encounters, to come as they are and allow themselves to transform—proving that our door will always be open for new classics to shine through.

Below, we asked each cover girl about timelessness, beautiful people, and the idea of perfection.

V MAGAZINE: What do you consider to be timeless?

ELLA MCCUTCHEON: This might sound weird, but my answer is everything and nothing at the same time. For example, people say all sorts of things are timeless, which is true in a sense, but everything is fluid. If you give something time and energy, you can watch it diverge and see it take on an infinite number of forms—to the point where you question whether the thing hasn’t morphed into something else completely.

V: What was the spark that first made you want to be a model?

EM: People told me I should model, but I was trying—well, failing—to study for my final exams in high school at the time. I got very existential about my inability to study. I figured, if I’m not using my brain, then I might as well use my body instead—and here I am!

V: If you could only choose one item in your closet, what would you say is your most precious heirloom?

EM: This is so hard. A couple of years ago, I would have said my dad’s old T-shirt from the late 80s. It’s red, or it was at some point, and extremely worn. The shoulders are basically lace with how many holes are in them. It’s very sentimental to me, and reminds me of home, family, and all things merry. But now, I would probably say some overly expensive item. Sorry dad!

V: What everlasting fashion history moment/memory burns the brightest in your mind?

EM: God, the Jacquemus show on the salt flats. It was so objectively and incredibly beautiful. It burned so physically bright that I felt like I was looking into the core of the sun. Ow—my retinas still hurt. Worth it though.

V: In the fast-paced world of fashion, what is one thing you think will always be in demand (regardless of trends)?

EM: Me! Just kidding. A trench coat or a well-fitting white tee. Maybe something black, tight, and sexy. 

V: What makes a person beautiful?

EM: So many things. It’s hard to put into words. I think so many people are beautiful. 

V: Who do you consider to be the most beautiful person you know or admire?

EM: I can’t answer this without them seeing. My supplemental answer is Mother Nature.

V: Do you put much thought into creating the “perfect” look when getting dressed for the day? What do you feel most beautiful in?

EM: It depends on the day and where I’m at mentally. Do I have hot fashion people to impress that day? Or am I just getting dressed to not be naked when I go grocery shopping?

This cover story appears in the pages of V153: now available for purchase!

Photography Inez & Vinoodh

Fashion Genesis Webb & Hunter Clem 

Creative Director / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Gan

Model Ella McCutcheon Storm Management)

Hair Eugene Souleiman (Streeters)

Makeup Fulvia Farolfi (M+A Group) using Chanel Beauty

Manicure Juan Alvear (Opus)

Production John Nadhazi, Michael Gleeson

Art Director Marc Kroop

Retouching Stereohorse

Lighting Director Jodokus Driessen

Digital technician Brian Anderson

Stylist assistants Amelia Murphy, Angelina Khachaturyan, Mary Joyce McFarland, AJ Grove

Makeup assistants Robert Reyes, Jessica Marisol, Leisa Kanienberg, Taisha Paquiot

Hair assistants Pamela Baumgartner, Christine Moore, Sevil Tai, Miwako Urasugi, Sergio Estrada, Tomoko Kuwamura, Jonathan M. Rackleff

Manicure assistants Vito Pelleccia, Louise Corbet

Bookings director Goran Macura