Elle Macpherson, who first catapulted onto the world stage almost three decades ago when she appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, will turn 50 years old tomorrow. And she still looks amazing.
Nicknamed “the body” in the late eighties, Elle became a household name and was one of the first beautiful women to earn the tag supermodel. She has since become a successful businesswoman, mother of two and wife to billionaire Jeffrey Soffer.
Looking decades younger than the half century she will be celebrating, Elle has revealed her beauty secret is “wellness”. “There’s so much discussion surrounding health and fitness but what I really aspire to is wellness,” she says.
“Spiritual, emotional and physical, and in my experience they are closely interrelated. It’s not something you achieve simply through going to the gym, using expensive creams or speaking to a therapist. It’s a feeling of balance and strengh that originates from within.”
Looking incredible just a few months before her 50th.
Elle has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine a record six times.
Back on the SI cover in 1987.
1987.
Elle got her big break in modelling in the TV commercial for Tab and secured her as the “girl next door” figure of Australia (1987).
1988.
Elle first began modelling when she moved to New York where she was signed to Click Model management (1988).
Sports Illustrated cover in 1988.
Elle in 1989.
1992.
Apart from her body, Elle quickly became known for her beautiful natural features (1992).
1994.
Elle (right) poses with fellow supermodels Claudia Schiffer (middle) and Naomi Campbell in 1994.
1994.
Elle appeared with Kathy Ireland and Rachel Hunter on the 1994 Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition cover.
1996.
Despite lightening her hair colour, Elle’s gorgeous look has more or less remained the same over the years (1996).
2000.
It’s her natural healthy glow and effortless looking hair that makes her a standout throughout her career (2000).
2004.
So what’s her secret? Elle has said that she has a very “holistic perspective on health” and that she regularly receives acupuncture (2004).
2008.
Elle has maintained her Aussie “girl next door” look throughout her career. And often steps out in casual beach wear when at home in Australia (2008).
2010.
So what can’t she live without? Elle says her biggest beauty secret is lots of water. She says she has about six 500ml bottles per day (2010).
2012.
Radiant on the red carpet at the Golden Globes in 2012.
2012.
Elle making a star appearance at a ceremony honouring women of beauty, style and elegance (2012).
2012.
Introducing her TV show ‘Fashion Star’ at the MipTV in Cannes, France (2012).
2012.
At the G’Day USA Black Tie Gala in LA last year.
