Elle Macpherson may have been one of the mega-models of the 90s, but even more impressive is her head for business. Mixing a girl-next-door grin with an athletic body, Elle made a name for herself after first hitting the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 1986. She went on to make a record six cover appearances for the coveted issue. Elle made several movie appearances, as well, including Sirens with Hugh Grant in’94 and Batman and Robin with George Clooney in ’97. She then embarked on a series of successful business ventures including her lingerie line, Elle Macpherson Intimates and The Body skin care products. She also joined fellow super-models Claudia Schiffer, Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell as an original partner in the Fashion Cafe restaurant chain.
It’s not all work with Elle–she was married to photographer Gilles Bensimon for four years and had a long relationship with financier Arpad Busson, with whom she has two children: Arpad Flynn (13) and Aurelius Cy (8).
Most recently, Elle jumped on the bandwagon of the popular Next Top Model franchise and became the host and executive producer of Britain’s Next Top Model last year. She’s also signed on as a spokesperson for Revlon cosmetics and just added the “Obisidian” collection to her Intimates underwear line, which has an edgier, decidedly ‘naughty’ vibe with styles using a whole lotta black French lace. Elle is always effortlessly sexy. The 47-year-old supermodel/mommy recently rocked a Roxy Music tee, faux fur shrug, ripped jeans, black boots and chic Ray Ban aviators while out and about in London. –rpuccia
Buy these now: Ray Ban RB3025, $104