Some people redefine what it means to be a superstar, and Elle Macpherson is one of them. With her statuesque figure, sun-kissed glow, and effortless beachy charm, she ruled the runways and magazine covers of the 1980s and 1990s. Yet her story didn’t stop with record-breaking Sports Illustrated covers. Instead, she turned her fame into fuel for building a multi-million-dollar empire—proving that a supermodel can become so much more than a pretty face.

From Australia to the World Stage
Born Eleanor Nancy Gow on March 29, 1964, in Sydney, Australia, Elle grew up in a hardworking family. Her father was a sound engineer, and her mother worked as a nurse. After her parents divorced, she adopted her mother’s maiden name—Macpherson—a decision that would eventually become part of a globally recognized brand.

Initially, Elle planned a very different career. She enrolled at the University of Sydney to study law. But during a holiday in Aspen, Colorado, a modeling scout spotted her, and destiny had other plans. With her striking beauty and long-limbed grace, it wasn’t long before she signed with a top agency and left law school behind for a career that would soon captivate the world.

Video: Throwback Thursday: Elle Macpherson In Australia | Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

The Rise of “The Body”
By the early 1980s, Elle Macpherson was one of the most sought-after models in the fashion industry. She graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and GQ, becoming the face of international fashion. But it was her relationship with Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue that made her a legend.

Appearing on the cover a record-breaking five times, she earned the nickname “The Body,” a title that followed her throughout her career. Far from being a fleeting trend, Elle proved she had staying power. Her adaptability and sharp instincts helped her remain relevant long after many of her contemporaries faded from the spotlight.

Stepping into Hollywood and Television

Not content with conquering fashion alone, Elle explored the world of acting. She appeared in films such as:

• Sirens (1994), a critically acclaimed drama alongside Hugh Grant
• Batman & Robin (1997), playing Bruce Wayne’s love interest
• The Edge (1997), a thrilling adventure that showcased her screen presence

Television audiences also remember her guest role on Friends as Joey’s glamorous roommate, Janine Lecroix, in a multi-episode storyline that introduced her to a whole new fan base. Even with these successes, Elle chose not to chase a long-term Hollywood career. She had her sights set on something bigger: business.

Building a Business Empire

Unlike many of her peers, Elle Macpherson turned her modeling fame into a lasting brand. She didn’t just endorse products—she built them.

Elle Macpherson Intimates: A Lingerie Revolution
In the late 1980s, she launched Elle Macpherson Intimates, a lingerie line that quickly became one of the most successful celebrity brands of its time. Far more than a figurehead, she played an active role in design and marketing, helping the label become a top seller in Australia, the UK, and the United States. The brand proved Elle was more than a model—she was a businesswoman with vision and an eye for what women wanted.

WelleCo and the Wellness Movement

Never one to stand still, Elle shifted her focus to health and wellness in 2014, co-founding WelleCo, a premium brand specializing in plant-based nutritional supplements. Its flagship product, The Super Elixir, became an international success, promoting beauty from the inside out.

Elle saw the growing health-conscious movement and positioned WelleCo at its forefront. Today, the company stands as a global leader in wellness, proving her business instincts remain as sharp as ever.

The Secret to Elle Macpherson’s Longevity

Video: How Supermodel’s Body Ruled The 80s – Elle Macpherson

Many supermodels fade after a few years, but Elle has remained a household name for over four decades. Why?

• Smart Branding: She created a personal brand that extends beyond fashion into wellness and lifestyle.
• Diversification: From lingerie to nutritional supplements, she continually expands her business ventures instead of relying on a single industry.
• Authenticity: Elle lives the lifestyle she promotes. Her commitment to health and wellness is genuine, not just a marketing strategy.

Life Today: Balanced and Grounded

Approaching 60, Elle continues to inspire. She remains hands-on with WelleCo and frequently appears at health summits and fashion events. Yet she’s also embraced a quieter, more balanced life filled with yoga, meditation, and a deep connection to nature. Her social media presence reflects this balance—glimpses of global business meetings alongside serene snapshots of her personal wellness journey.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Beauty, Brains, and Bold Moves

Elle Macpherson’s path from an aspiring law student in Australia to an international supermodel and respected entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable. She redefined what it means to be a model by proving that true success isn’t about a single moment in the spotlight—it’s about evolution and reinvention.

Whether gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated, appearing on television screens, or building a wellness empire, Elle has shown that intelligence and ambition can transform fame into long-term influence. Her story is a powerful reminder that beauty may open doors, but vision and persistence create a legacy that never goes out of style.