Elle Macpherson, an Australian supermodel, actress, businesswoman, and TV personality, has built a remarkable career that has earned her a net worth of $95 million. Initially, she entered modeling with the intent of funding her law school education, but her career soon flourished in ways she hadn’t imagined. Elle’s success in modeling, acting, and business ventures has made her one of the wealthiest women in her field.
Rise to Fame as a Supermodel
Elle Macpherson became a household name in the 1980s, securing her place as one of the top supermodels of her time. Her journey started in 1982 when she signed with Click Model Management, leading to her first commercial appearance in a Tab soft drink ad. By the mid-80s, she had graced the covers of top magazines like Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, quickly becoming one of the most recognized faces in fashion. In 1986, she appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for the first time, a move that would later solidify her as the model with the most cover appearances in its history.
Her nickname “The Body” was coined by Time magazine in 1989, further cementing her status as a beauty icon. Throughout the 80s and 90s, she continued to dominate the modeling world, working with major fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, and Calvin Klein, among others.
Transition into Acting
Elle Macpherson didn’t just limit her talents to modeling. In addition to her thriving career in fashion, she also pursued acting. She made her film debut in 1990 with Woody Allen’s Alice, and soon after, she starred in Sirens (1994) alongside Hugh Grant. Other notable roles included Batman & Robin (1997) and The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996). She also made a memorable appearance on the TV sitcom Friends, where she portrayed Joey Tribbiani’s love interest, Janine LaCroix, from 1999 to 2000.
While her acting career didn’t reach the same level of fame as her modeling, Elle successfully showcased her versatility by venturing into hosting roles as well. She hosted shows like Britain’s Next Top Model and Fashion Star, both of which contributed to her growing fame in the entertainment industry.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurial Success
Elle’s business acumen is equally impressive. She launched Elle Macpherson Inc. in 1994, initially releasing calendars and later expanding her brand into fitness videos and workout programs. Her business savvy extended to the lingerie market when she teamed up with Bendon Limited Apparel in 1990 to create Elle Macpherson Intimates, which became one of the best-selling lingerie lines in the UK and Australia.
Elle continued to expand her brand by introducing maternity bras and beauty products under the name Elle Macpherson – The Body. She also co-founded WelleCo, a wellness company that released The Super Elixir, a health supplement designed to promote alkalization. Her entrepreneurial success earned her multiple accolades, including Glamour magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2005.
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Elle Macpherson’s Impact on Fashion
Elle’s influence extends beyond modeling and acting. She became a fashion icon in her own right, known for her effortless style and impeccable taste. Her career in fashion wasn’t limited to being a model; she actively contributed to the industry as a designer and brand ambassador. In 2008, she was awarded the Lingerie Designer of the Year at the Femmy Awards, and she earned a Style Icon award at the Elle Style Awards in the same year.
Her role as a global ambassador for Revlon and her involvement with several other brands allowed her to build an enduring legacy in the fashion world. Elle’s distinct approach to fashion and business helped to shape the way future models would approach their careers.
Personal Life and Relationships
Elle Macpherson’s personal life has also attracted considerable attention. In the early 1980s, she was in a relationship with famous singer Billy Joel, and it’s said that some of his songs were inspired by their romance. In 1986, Elle married fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon, but the couple divorced in 1989.
In the late 90s, Elle began dating financier Arpad Busson. They had two children together, Arpad and Aurelius, but their relationship ended in 2005. Elle’s love life continued to make headlines when she dated billionaire Jeffrey Soffer from 2009 to 2012. After a brief split, the couple reconciled and married in 2013, though they divorced in 2017.
In 2018, Elle entered a relationship with Andrew Wakefield, a former physician involved in controversy surrounding anti-vaccination claims. Despite her complex romantic history, Elle has managed to maintain her career and public image throughout.
Philanthropy and Charitable Work
Macpherson is passionate about giving back and has been involved with numerous charitable causes over the years. She has served as a European Ambassador for RED, which raises funds for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Additionally, she’s been an ambassador for UNICEF and the Smile Foundation and has advocated for International Women’s Day and the National Association for the Children of Alcoholics.
Her charitable efforts extend beyond just making donations; Elle has used her platform to raise awareness and support for causes close to her heart, making her a prominent figure in philanthropy as well.
Real Estate Investments
Elle Macpherson is also known for her substantial real estate investments. In 2018, she purchased a stunning 9,000 square-foot home in Coral Gables, Florida, for $8.1 million. The estate, set on 1.71 acres, boasts seven bedrooms and luxurious amenities such as a saltwater pool. Elle’s property portfolio also includes a 14,395 square-foot mansion in Aspen, Colorado, which she and her ex-husband, Jeffrey Soffer, purchased for $36.5 million in 2007. They later listed the mansion for $35 million in 2015.
These properties highlight Elle’s taste for luxury and her keen investment in real estate, further boosting her net worth.
Elle Macpherson’s journey from a law student to a global icon is a testament to her determination and multifaceted talent. With a net worth of $95 million, she has carved out a legacy in modeling, acting, business, and philanthropy. Her career trajectory serves as a model for aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives, proving that with vision and hard work, success in multiple fields is not only possible but achievable.
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