How a supermodel transformed her image into a global business empire
Elle Macpherson rose to fame as a record-breaking cover model, but her true legacy lies in her early pivot to entrepreneurship. By shifting from a hired face to a licensing partner, she redefined the relationship between celebrity and commerce, building a multi-million dollar lingerie brand on her own terms.
Born Eleanor Nancy Gow in 1964, Macpherson began her career in 1982 after a trip to New York to fund her law studies. Her rise was meteoric, earning her the nickname The Body after a 1989 Time magazine cover. She holds the record for five appearances on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover, spanning from 1986 to 2006, and was a central figure in the 1980s supermodel era alongside peers like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford.
Macpherson’s business acumen emerged in 1989 when she was approached by Bendon Limited Apparel to promote their products in Australia. Instead of a standard endorsement, she proposed a licensing model where she held creative control and shared in the profits. This unorthodox strategy led to the creation of Elle Macpherson Intimates, which became the top-selling lingerie line in both Australia and Great Britain. She later served as the company's creative director and chief marketing officer.
Her portfolio expanded significantly in 1994 when she founded Elle Macpherson Inc. to manage her ventures, which included workout videos, beauty products, and the 2014 launch of the wellness company WelleCo. Her success has been widely recognized, earning her titles such as Glamour Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005 and Lingerie Designer of the Year at the 2008 Femmy Awards. Beyond business, she has maintained a career in television, hosting and producing shows like Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model and Fashion Star.
Macpherson’s life has also been marked by high-profile personal challenges, including a 1997 burglary at her home and a 2017 breast cancer diagnosis, for which she opted for a lumpectomy and holistic treatment. Despite these trials, she has remained a consistent presence in both fashion and philanthropy, serving as an ambassador for organizations like UNICEF and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Source: Elle Macpherson
