'I've developed something of a fearsome reputation' says queen of kook Lorde, 17, as she rocks fierce ethereal style on cover of Elle magazine

Published: 17:44 EST, 10 September 2014 | Updated: 18:53 EST, 10 September 2014

View
comments

She's known for her subversive beauty and achingly pure voice that at age 16 earned her the accolade of becoming the youngest singer to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 26 years.

Since then supremely talented singer, Lorde, has become a teen icon, as much for her musical talents as her fierce sense of style and her wise beyond her years attitude.

So it's no surprise that the 17-year-old has been chosen to front Elle's October Personal Style Issue, the teenager's first major fashion coup.

Scroll down for video

Subversive beauty: Singer Lorde steals the spotlight as the cover girl for Elle's October Personal Style rocking her trademark goth-chic style

But despite her young years the supremely self-aware teenager says she won't stand for any ageism in her work place.

More...

'I've developed something of a fearsome reputation. People know that if you talk down to me, I will roll my eyes or whatever,' reveals the White Teeth Teens singer in the accompanying interview.

'A lot of times when people meet me, they’ll definitely try to make me feel young or inexperienced. Like, 'It’s all taken care of'.

Queen of alternative: The 17-year-old's first major fashion coup. the shoot was shot on an East London rooftop, she says she's developed 'something of a fearsome reputation' in the industry

Hauntingly beautiful: The Kiwi singer showed off her impeccable style in a patent faux crocodile skin black mac, her chestnut mane teased into a halo framing her incredible features

Despite her phenomenal fame the hyper aware teenager says she tries not to get caught up in the industry buzz: 'I'm constantly scanning myself to see if I'm some corporate executive version of a teenager.'

It's testament to Lorde's fierce attitude that the Elle shoot, shot on an East London rooftop, perfectly captures her own brand of arresting goth chic style.

The hauntingly beautiful youth - real name Ella Yelich-O'Conor - brings her own brand of edgy ethereal to the stylised magazine shoot.

In one shot, half turned towards the camera, the New Zealand born songstress models a sleeveless black leather jacket with a chunky silver chain, her chestnut mane teased into a voluminous halo.

'I’m, like, constantly scanning myself to see if I’m some corporate executive version of a teenager': The super aware teenager says she's consciously fighting against not becoming a an industry clone

Her luminous other worldly features are enhanced by strikingly defined bold brows, brown eye shadow and nude lips, as she gives the camera her best devil may care face.

In another shot the Royals star rocks goth-chic in a crocodile print patent black mac, her features partly hidden as she locks eyes with the camera.

Next, the sartorial style setter layers a black off-the-shoulder zip up jacket with fur detailing over a mottled blue and white roll neck.

Turned face on to the camera the Pure Heroine starlet looks like a high-fashion model.

Swapping her trademark black for white, the final image captures the Kiwi beauty swathed in a plume of white feathers, a wide-brimmed black hat in place, a few stray strands escaping to frame her flawless features.

The MTV Video Music Award winner is set to return home in October to perform a four date tour hitting the stage in Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland.