Behind the scenes of the ELLE cover shoot

Legends of the Fall

Inspired by the edgy fall 2012 shows of Balmain and Balenciaga, ELLE creative director Joe Zee dressed Katy Perry in an array of textures and graphic prints for a sleek and modern look. Wearing designs by Etro, Bottega Veneta and YSL, Perry toughened up her candy-coated style.

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Cat's Meow

Stylist Renato Campora used Frédéric Fekkai Coiff mousse on Perry's deep-purple hair, while makeup artist Jake Bailey chose smoky black eyeliner to craft a dramatically dark cat eye.

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Star Pupil

Perry, who made appearances in the front row of many shows during Paris Fashion Week, took notes and weighed in on her wardrobe choices for the cover shoot.

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Nailed It

Perry worked in her own personality during the shoot and even changed up her nail art when donning different looks.

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Looking Back

While hanging out on set, Perry snacked on jelly beans while listening to Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. But once the cameras were rolling, the candy went down and up went a fierce, sophisticated Perry.

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Sugar Coated

On her career: "I love what I do, and when I don't love what I do, I'll make a change… I can't be the candy queen forever."

On relationships and marriage: "I obviously have a lot to say right now… I'm a woman who likes to be courted—strongly. Never say never, I guess you'd say. I'll let love take the lead on that."