Essentials launches model-free issue

In a UK first, the magazine features 10 real women on its latest cover

Forget models, the new issue of Essentials features ten real women on its cover, and no models or celebrities throughout the entire magazine.

In a UK first, every single shoot – from fashion and beauty to a naked body confidence article – feature real women only, and this is only the start for Essentials. The issues signals a no models or celebrities cover rule – only real women will appear.

The decision came as a result of reader research, with Essentials gaging the opinions of 4,911 women. 75% said that real women inspire them more than celebrities, while 70% preferred real women instead of celebrities on the front cover. Jules Barton-Breck Editor of Essentials commented: 'So many of these women look, and are, amazing that we wanted to celebrate them. In our recent reader survey 70% told us that they would rather see a real woman on the cover of a magazine than a celebrity, so we’re excited to be the first magazine in the UK to do this every month!'

This month's lucky ten ladies were plucked from hundreds of applicants, who applied by telling Essentials why they were amazing enough to appear on the front cover. A shortlist were invited to attend a casting session with the Editor and Style Director to select who should go forward. The 10 cover stars are all shapes, sizes and ages and the issue is a celebration of real women.

What do you think of using real women rather than models? Would you like more magazines to follow suit?