Hollywood star Selena Gomez has become the subject of a new cover for People magazine and received the Beauty Impact Award 2026 — a new prize from the publication that honors artists' contributions to the beauty industry and their work in the field of mental health. For the key photoshoot, the singer and actress chose a milky-white dress by the Ukrainian brand Lever Couture, a notable accent highlighting support for home-grown design on an international stage.
Ukrainian design on the cover of People
The centerpiece of the look was a dress created by designer Lesya Verlingieri. The outfit features a voluminous texture and feather embellishment: a full silhouette and the delicate texture of the material formed a light, romantic look that reads well against the bright background of the shoot. The Ukrainian brand Lever Couture was founded in 2010; Verlingieri is from Odesa, grew up in Germany, and now lives and works in Los Angeles. Among the celebrities who have previously worn outfits from this house are Lady Gaga, Milla Jovovich, Anya Taylor-Joy, and others.
Other looks from the photoshoot and the shoot team
In addition to the feathered dress, during the shoot for People Gomez posed in other looks — in particular, in a bright yellow LaQuan Smith trench coat and in a red suit. The star's styling was handled by Erin Walsh and Olga Revutska, while the photographer was Leeor Wild. This set of looks allowed the magazine to show the artist in different roles — from airy romance to bold vibrancy.
An award for her contribution to the beauty industry and mental health
The Beauty Impact Award 2026 became for Gomez a recognition not only of her public image but also of her entrepreneurial activity: she is the founder of the cosmetics brand Rare Beauty and the Rare Impact Fund. According to People, the fund has raised more than 30 million dollars in support of organizations working in the field of youth mental health across five continents. It is precisely this combination — a commercial beauty project and a charitable mission — that formed the basis of the publication's new award.
The artist's advice to those struggling with loneliness
In the interview accompanying the cover, Gomez addressed people who feel lonely due to mental health issues. "I would tell people: hang in there and remember that it's okay to be imperfect. It's okay to feel all these emotions, even if they seem confusing or incomprehensible. And I don't want people to think that this will always be the case, as if today is the end of everything. It's not. We have tomorrow," the artist shared. These words became the emotional core of the publication and are directly tied to the theme for which the magazine awarded her the prize.
