Ellie Goulding is no stranger to the spotlight, but her latest appearance on the cover of Nylon Magazine marks a profound departure from the polished pop persona the world has known for over a decade. The "Love Me Like You Do" singer has officially announced she is expecting her second child with boyfriend Beau Minniear, choosing a visual narrative that prioritizes vulnerability, strength, and raw elegance. This photoshoot is not just a pregnancy reveal; it is a cinematic accompaniment to a tumultuous period in her life, defined by the finalization of her divorce, the thrill of new love, and the grounded reality of motherhood.
Credit: César Buitrago for NYLON
The Aesthetics of Empowerment
The Nylon shoot strips away the elaborate stage costumes and high-fashion armor Goulding often wears. Instead, the focus is placed entirely on her natural silhouette. The most captivating images feature Ellie in minimalist, high-waisted black underwear, a choice that emphasizes her blossoming baby bump without the distraction of complex styling. This "stripped-back" aesthetic serves as a metaphor for her current mental state—transparent, peaceful, and unapologetically herself. In one particularly symbolic shot, she pairs her simple intimates with a classic white T-shirt featuring the word “Mother” printed across the chest, a direct and proud nod to the role that now defines her world.
Her beauty look for the session remains intentionally "unfussy." Ellie Goulding opted for her signature blonde locks styled in loose, natural waves, paired with minimal makeup that highlights her radiant, "Mother Earth" glow. Even when the styling becomes more structured—such as a leather jacket draped over her shoulders or a figure-hugging mesh dress—the core of the visual message remains a celebration of her changing body. She appears grounded and serene, projecting a sense of peace that contradicts the chaotic "dark times" she describes in her accompanying interview.
Credit: César Buitrago for NYLON
A New Chapter: Divorce, Love, and the "Divorce Album"
The raw nature of the photos perfectly mirrors the candidness of her conversation with Nylon. Goulding didn't shy away from discussing the difficulties of her past marriage and the emotional toll of her recent divorce. However, there is a palpable sense of excitement for the future. She teased the arrival of her upcoming “divorce album,” a project that promises to be her most honest work to date. By appearing in such a vulnerable state, she demonstrates a newfound comfort in her own skin, proving that she has emerged from the darkness with a clearer sense of purpose.
Ellie Goulding’s decision to reveal her pregnancy through such a minimalist and raw lens is a refreshing change in an era of highly curated celebrity announcements. It signals a move toward authenticity that resonates deeply with her audience. By embracing her natural silhouette and discussing her personal struggles so openly, she isn't just promoting an album or a brand—she is reclaiming her narrative. This "new era" for Ellie seems to be built on the foundation of self-acceptance, suggesting that her upcoming music will be as powerful and unfiltered as these portraits.
