ACROSS
 7. U PERM inside SO DEL = SUPERMODEL <fashion icon>
 9. ←(.o)STEN(t.)← = NETS <profits>
10. <guide> MENTOR = MEN TO R_
11. UNCLE outside (O + UP) = UNCOUPLE <to divorce>
12. <result of punching> B + LACKEY + _E
14. <OK> RIGHTO = RIG + HOT*
15. W _IL_ HELM'S + CREAM = WILHELM SCREAM <sound effect>
18. <support> PROP UP = PRO PUP
20. CHASE outside ←IT'S← = CHASTISE <discipline>
22. MA CARON I_ = MACARONI <old-timey dandy>
23. <protection from weather> BROLLY = BY outside ROLL
25. (.n)ZE US(u.) = ZEUS <Olympian>
26. <fleeting quality> TRANSIENCE = NECTARINES*

DOWN
 1. R USE = RUSE <scheme>
 2. <standing> VERTICAL = V ARTICLE*
 3. ←EG REME← = EMERGE <break cover>
 4. <thrilling> ELECTRIC = ELECT RI _C
 5. <little-known> UNSUNG = ←GNUS + NU←
 6. (LATEST MAIL)* = AT ALL TIMES <constantly>
 8. (MANIAC USED HEX)* = DEUS EX MACHINA <contrived plot point>
13. <criminal> LAWBREAKER = BRAWL* [-l]EAKER
16. EX PLOTS outside I = EXPLOITS <adventures>
17. (SORT GENE)* = ESTROGEN <hormone>
19. "PRAYS" = PRAISE <commendation>
21. <attack> AMBUSH = ←(.s)H SUBMA(r.)←
24. <chance> LUCK = [-p]LUCK