Thanks to Britt we have HQ scans from September’s issue of Harper’s Bazaar with Leighton on the cover.

[007] Harper’s Bazaar (September)

Leighton Meester graces the “big fashion issue” cover for Harper’s Bazaar’s September 2009 issue, on stands August 18th.

In an ode to the mag’s most popular editorial franchise “Fabulous at Every Age,” the Gossip Girl star ages gracefully through the decades with the help of some digital enhancements. Check it out below — Leighton in her 20’s and one in her 50’s! Here are some interview highlights:

On the alleged sex tape: “[The tape] is not real, so it makes me sort of sad. It’s unfortunate that it got carried as far as it did… I definitely understand the nature of people better now and that the mere allegation of something like that could be headline news. People think it’s real because somebody says it is.”

On the pitfalls of fame: “I don’t want most of what comes along with all of this. I’m doing everything I can to keep things separate. I feel like my friends are in a cult because we’re like, No outsiders! I’ve never been crazy. I’m a very good girl, to be honest. I don’t do anything to hurt anybody. Honestly, all I ever do is work.”

On aging and Botox: “Any fear of aging, I think, is simply vanity because what comes with age is so many wonderful things: wisdom, understanding. Every year, I’m always happy to be done with the previous age. If people want [to get Botox], do it.”

Co-star Ed Westwick on meeting Leighton for the first time: “The first thing I thought when I met Leighton was, F—ing hell, this girl’s gorgeous. And she was incredibly sweet. Now we tell each other to f— off whenever we want to.”

FYI: Leighton is wearing Derek Lam dress

on the cover and below, she’s toting the long-side chain printed jaguar bag by Derek Lam.

(Source)