The first issue of the much anticipated Elle Australia will hit stands in September, Bauer has confirmed, quashing months of speculation about its launch.

Bauer Media Group, Hearst Magazines International and Lagardère Active announced the news today, noting the official website would go up in August.

The editor will be announced shortly.

The magazine currently has a global circulation of 6.56 million and 21 million readers across 44 editions, making it “the largest fashion magazine brand in the world”, Bauer said.

Bauer, formerly ACP, unveiled plans to launch the title back in September 2011 but in March 2012 publishing director Gerry Reynolds told the press the launch had been delayed until further notice.

Matthew Stanton, CEO of Bauer Media, said: “This is our first major launch since ACP Magazines was acquired by the Bauer Media Group and we are particularly excited to be launching Elle, which offers readers and marketers all the benefits of a well-respected and successful global brand, as well the opportunity to participate in a multiplatform magazine from the start.”

Peter Holder, publisher of the Hearst-Bauer Media joint venture, said: “Elle Australia provides a unique opportunity to innovate and develop the brand across multiple platforms. Elle will lift the bar and set new standards – challenging every notion of what a magazine can do and be.”

The joint venture between Hearst Magazines International and Bauer Media is a longstanding publishing partnerships in Australia, with a portfolio that includes Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Madison and now Elle.

Kim St Clair Bodden, senior vice president/editorial director of Hearst Magazines International, said: “Bauer Media and Hearst Magazines International have launched the most successful titles in Australia, and we’re confident that the Elle Australia will continue our successful track record in the market.”

Val√©ria Bessolo Llopiz, Elle international director of Lagard√®re Active, said: “Elle is an international superbrand. Our print editions are loved by millions around the world, while our exciting digital multi-platform assets add to our relevance and incredible reach.

“Elle’s mission has always been to inspire women to express their personal style; inform them about the latest trends in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and culture; and entertain them with beautiful imagery. This unique mix has proven to be the winning formula for the brand’s worldwide success and positions it perfectly for an exciting Australian launch.”

Globally Elle has 34 local websites, 28 million unique web visitors, eight mobile apps and18 thematic mobile apps, 10 iPad apps and seven thematic iPad apps, more than 2.5 million Facebook likes and 3.5 million Twitter followers.

Industry speculation has it that former Vogue editor Kirstie Clements will be involved in Elle's launch in an undisclosed capacity. This has not been confirmed by Bauer.