Real women star in ‘Model Free’ special October issue of Essentials

Ten real women are starring on the cover of the October issue of Essentials, which is out tomorrow. The entire issue is model and celebrity-free – from the fashion and beauty spreads, to a naked body confidence photo shoot in the health section. The nationwide search for the October cover stars started with Essentials asking readers to tell the magazine why they were amazing enough to appear on the front cover. Hundreds of women applied and a shortlist were invited to attend a casting session with the editor and style director to select who should go forward. The ten cover stars are all shapes, sizes and ages and the issue is a celebration of real women. The issue also signals the launch of a no models or celebrities on the cover rule that will apply from the October issue onwards.