Alexa Chung has opened up about her modelling regrets in a candid new interview as she graces the cover of Elle magazine's October issue.

The model, 41, is set to receive the Timeless Muse award at the ELLE Style Awards 2025 on September 9.

Prior to this, she reflected on where it all began with the publication, admitting that she once believed her 'career would be over by the time she was 20'.

Although she has long been considered a muse to many top designers thanks to her distinctive sense of style, Alexa revealed she has one major regret during the early days of her career. 

When asked whether she had a picture of what her 40-year-old self might look like when she was 22, she replied: 'Yes, because when I was younger, all of the women I admired were older. 

'I had older friends and I loved their style, and even my mum, I just thought she was the coolest. Because I started modelling so young and thought my career would be over by the time I was 20, I always thought about what my next steps would be. 

'I used to really want to host Desert Island Discs, so I didn't do anything that might mean I wouldn't get to – so, I used to be prudish about doing shoots that were a bit wilder back in those days. 

'You weren't allowed to be the type of woman that could present Woman's Hour and be foxy on a cover. That's my only regret, not being foxier.' 

Alexa explained that she first entered the public eye at 22, although she had started modelling at 15. 

She continued: 'I already had a weird relationship with it, probably even as a teenager, because I’d be in music videos on MTV in sixth form and my friends would see. Westlife: huge moment for me.’

The sensational shoot featured several striking images of Alexa Chung, including a standout shot in a thigh-high leopard print jumpsuit.

She held a black blazer in one sizzling snap, styling her brunette locks in a loose, natural look paired with a soft, neutral palette of makeup.

Another daring image saw Alexa wearing a fishnet Givenchy bodysuit layered over black hotpants and a tiny tube top, showing off her legs and finishing the look with stiletto boots.

Elsewhere, the model looked ethereal in a flowing white lace dress as she perched on the arm of a chair.

She also donned a black long-sleeve dress for another shot before switching into a black leather jacket and jeans.

For the final image, Alexa showcased her model poise in a knitted black-and-cream cardigan.

Elsewhere during the interview, Alexa spoke about being referred to as a 'style icon'.

She said: 'I remember other people pointing it out more than me noticing it. My mum would say, “Oh look, that girl looks like you.” 

'Obviously, it was very flattering. I have it with other people, where I’m like, “I want to look like Gabbriette”, or something. 

'It’s nice to borrow and it’s sometimes helpful to use someone else’s style as a springboard to discover your own personality and style journey.’

Reflecting on Popworld, which she co-hosted on Channel 4 from April 2006 to July 2007, Alexa said it was something she 'really loved'.

She explained: 'I’d gone from modelling, which is great for some people, I’m sure, but I found it quite frustrating. 

'I preferred being in script meetings where I was around at a table being asked for my opinion. Alex Zane and I used to write the scripts. 

'It was such an amazing vote of confidence and that was what meant everything to me.’

Speaking about her fashion on the hit show, the model said: ‘On that show, we were really lucky because we were given a budget to buy clothes. 

'It was the dream. I went straight into Topshop – I wanted to look like how my friends and I did in real life. I remember people on TV at that time were making an effort. 

'But I was like, “It’s Saturday-morning TV, why aren’t they wearing Saturday-morning T-shirts? It’s weird to be in heels and a dress, because we’re all hungover.” 

'It was an active decision to feel normal, so that I could be bolder, because a lot of the interviews were quite punchy and you had to be brave. 

'I had to feel like I was myself.’

The October issue of Elle UK is on sale from September 4.