Riding high on the waves of musical success, Colombian star Carolina Giraldo Navarro, widely recognized by her stage name Karol G, graces the front pages of Elle US’s issue for June/July 2023. The multi-talented singer and songwriter is portrayed through the artistic lens of acclaimed photographer Zoey Grossman.
The first cover showcases Karol G in an intricate Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood corset, elegantly complemented by a Bvlgari necklace and rings from John Hardy (above). The second cover paints a different, yet equally stunning, portrait with the star donning a Luar dress, paired with an Agent Provocateur corset and Bvlgari rings (below).
Fashion editor Alex White brings the feature story to life with a selection of luxurious designs from labels such as Standing Ground, LaQuan Smith, Roksanda, Marc Jacobs, Roland Mouret, GmbH and Bottega Veneta.
Evanie Frausto creates alluring hairstyles, while Yumi Lee works her magic on make-up and Dawn Sterling perfects the manicure. Jenny Correa sets the stage, bringing the vision to life, with production by Crawford & Co Productions and Curt Weber.
In the world of Latin music, few stars shine as brightly as Karol G. Her love for music was nurtured from a young age by her father, Juan Guillermo Giraldo Ramírez, a local musician who recognized her potential. Despite facing numerous rejections from an industry that was hesitant to embrace a female reggaeton artist, Karol G remained undeterred. Her determination led her to New York City, where she sought to reinvent herself and study English. However, her passion for music remained undiminished, and a chance encounter with a music business conference reignited her ambition.
Karol G’s breakthrough came with her fourth album, “Mañana Será Bonito“, which made history as the first all-Spanish-language album from a female artist to debut at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. The album, a blend of dance beats and melancholic undertones, is a testament to her personal struggles and professional triumphs. “I was just singing about my life“, Karol G said. “If people are connecting with the album, they are connecting directly, literally, with me. Because that is the album: stories from my life, in songs“.
Her collaborations with other artists, such as Nicki Minaj and Shakira, have also contributed to her global recognition. Her collaboration with Shakira, “TQG“, became a top hit on the Billboard charts, further cementing her status in the music industry.
Beyond her music, Karol G is also making strides in other areas. She is set to make her acting debut in a new Netflix series, “Griselda“, and has plans to expand her company, Girl Power. Despite her growing fame, Karol G remains grounded and authentic, a quality that resonates with her fans.
Karol G’s journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. She has broken barriers in the Latin music industry and continues to inspire with her authenticity and talent. As she looks to the future, Karol G is not afraid to experiment with different genres and continue to push boundaries. “If tomorrow I make a song that sounds like it should be a tango, I will do it as a tango“, she said. “I’m not afraid of experimenting“.
Read more: Anitta covers Harper’s Bazaar US June/July 2023 by Emmanuel Sanchez-Monsalve