‘Blade Runner 2099’ Star Hunter Schafer Dazzles in Elle’s Surreal Fashion Shoot

voice film logo squareArthur S. Poe
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Hunter Schafer has always viewed fashion as more than just a means of looking good. Whether gracing a red carpet or appearing in a magazine, the actress and model embraces the strange, theatrical, and unexpected. This instinct shines through in her latest editorial.

Schafer is the cover star for the November 2026 issue of Elle, set to hit newsstands on November 3 and already available online. In an interview penned by Lotte Jeffs, she discusses her first lead role in ‘Blade Runner 2099’, along with topics like queerness, celebrity, and spirituality. However, it’s the stunning photographs that are capturing the most attention.

The visuals are crafted by Szilveszter Makó, who served as both photographer and art director for the shoot. A Hungarian fashion photographer based in Milan, Makó is known for his illustrative, theatrical, and surrealist style, having worked with stars like Elle Fanning, Willem Dafoe, and Anya Taylor-Joy.

The images certainly live up to that reputation. One striking shot features Schafer in a black feathered mini dress, paired with black gloves and heels, set against a backdrop of flames. Another image showcases a sleeveless, textured dark column dress complemented by long black gloves and a bare-legged silhouette.

One of the most memorable images features Schafer in a cream coat with dark fur trim, holding a quilted black bag with a knitted white rat tucked into the crook of her arm, its pink limbs dangling down. This quirky detail adds a charming touch that makes the fashion story unforgettable.

The set design by Edith Di Monda enhances the dreamlike atmosphere, with painterly backgrounds and moody lighting. The images resemble a collection of paintings rather than a conventional magazine spread, aligning perfectly with Schafer’s background in visual art and her affinity for experimental fashion.

The credits reveal a mix of high-profile labels. One look features a sweater and skirt by Marc Jacobs, while another showcases a cardigan and pencil skirt by Tom Ford, paired with a Prada bag. Shoes by Olivier Theyskens and Jeremyn Lee Archive complete the styling.

Jessica Willis served as stylist, with hair by Pablo Kümin and makeup by Raoul Alejandre. Honey provided the manicure using Dior Vernis. The entire team successfully created a world that is both elegant and slightly unsettling.

Beyond the visuals, the cover story offers an intimate look at Schafer’s journey. She discusses her first TV lead role as Cora in ‘Blade Runner 2099’, portraying a human who pretends to be a replicant Blade Runner. She describes the role as serious, noting that her character rarely smiles.

Schafer also shares insights about her gender identity, revealing that she underwent gender-affirming surgery in December 2025, calling the experience amazing. Elle highlights her desire to create a trans girl rom-com, hinting at the lighter aspects of her creative aspirations. This blend of serious and playful topics creates a well-rounded portrait of the actress.

The editorial arrives during a busy period for Schafer, who is a longtime ambassador for Prada and the face of Mugler’s Angel Elixir fragrance. At the 2026 Met Gala, she made a statement in a Prada gown inspired by a Klimt painting, featuring intentional rips, and later wore a custom velvet Prada outfit to the Academy Museum Gala.

Her third season as Jules in ‘Euphoria’ premiered in April, keeping her firmly in the public eye. Each new editorial reinforces her reputation for bold fashion choices, and the Makó photographs fit seamlessly into that narrative.

While a surreal editorial can sometimes prioritize style over substance, in this case, the eccentricity aligns perfectly with the magazine’s themes of identity, self-expression, and growth. The unusual props and painted backdrops reflect the journey of someone crafting a life uniquely her own.

It also illustrates the trust Schafer places in her collaborators. The risk of appearing silly is real when posing with a knitted rat, yet she manages to make it look effortless and a touch magical.

For fans who appreciate fashion that takes risks, this editorial is a must-see. It artfully combines art, couture, and personality into a memorable narrative.

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