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Elle Macpherson

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Eleanor Nancy Macpherson is a prominent Australian model, businesswoman, television host, and actress. She rose to global fame during the 1980s as part of a new generation of supermodels. This group included famous names like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford. In 1989, Time magazine gave her the nickname "The Body" after she appeared on its cover.

Elle Macpherson - Daily News (1987)
Elle Macpherson - Daily News (1987)

This nickname became a central part of her professional identity. She later used it to name several of her successful business ventures. Macpherson is recognized for her ability to transition from a high-fashion model to a powerful entrepreneur.

Her career began with a practical goal. Before studying law at the University of Sydney, she traveled to the United States. She worked as a model in New York City to earn money for her law books. Her modeling career took off in 1982 after a television commercial for Tab. She quickly became a frequent face in major magazines. These included Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle. She appeared in every issue of Elle for six straight years.

Elle Macpherson - Daily News (1987)
Elle Macpherson - Daily News (1987)

During this time, she also became the face of the French skincare company Biotherm.

Macpherson achieved record-breaking success in the fashion industry. She appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue five times. These covers were released in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1994, and 2006. She also walked the runways for many luxury designers. These designers include Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Christian Dior. Her influence extended into advertising for brands like Revlon and Diet Coke. In 1999, the nation of Antigua and Barbuda even honored her by putting her face on postage stamps. This made her the first model to appear on legal tender.

As a businesswoman, Macpherson changed how models interact with fashion brands. In 1994, she formed her own company, Elle Macpherson Inc. In 1990, she launched Elle Macpherson Intimates with Bendon Limited Apparel. This was an unorthodox move at the time. Instead of just promoting a brand, she suggested a licensing arrangement. This allowed her to use her own name and designs. The line became the best-selling fashion lingerie brand in both Great Britain and Australia.

Elle Macpherson08
Elle Macpherson08

She even designed a successful maternity bra line while nursing her second child.

Macpherson has also built a diverse portfolio in beauty and wellness. She created a skincare line called "Elle Macpherson – The Body." This line was sold at retailers like Boots. In 2014, she co-founded a wellness company called WelleCo. This company released a flagship product known as The Super Elixir. Her business skills have earned her many professional honors. In 2005, Glamour magazine named her Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2008, she was also named Lingerie Designer of the Year by the Underfashion Club.

Elle Macpherson08
Elle Macpherson08

In addition to business, Macpherson has maintained a steady acting career. She had a breakout role in the 1994 film Sirens. She also appeared in movies like Batman and Robin and The Edge. On television, she had a recurring role on the popular series Friends. She also worked as a television host and executive producer. She hosted Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model from 2010 to 2013. She also served as an executive producer for the NBC show Fashion Star.

Macpherson's early life in Australia shaped her journey. She was born Eleanor Nancy Gow in Killara, New South Wales, on March 29, 1964. Her father, Peter Gow, was an entrepreneur and sound engineer. Her mother, Frances Gow, worked as a nurse. After her parents divorced when she was ten, she moved with her mother and two siblings. Due to a clerical mistake at a new school, her surname changed to Macpherson. This was her stepfather's surname. She grew up in East Lindfield and attended Killara High School. Her sister, Mimi Macpherson, also became a successful businesswoman.

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