Photo credits: Elle Macpherson Instagram.
In the radiant glow of Monaco’s sun-kissed shores, where elegance meets ambition, few figures embody the spirit of timeless beauty and femininity quite like Elle Macpherson. Known to the world as "The Body," the Australian supermodel has transcended the catwalks of the 1980s to become a beacon of inspiration— a woman whose life is a testament to strength, grace, and the courage to carve her own path. Today, at 60, she continues to captivate, not only through her luminous presence but through her profound journey as a mother, author, and wellness pioneer, as shared in her deeply personal book, Elle.
A Supermodel's Marvelous Odyssey
Elle Macpherson’s story began in the quiet Killara, New South Wales, where she was born Eleanor Nancy Gow on March 29, 1964. A girl with dreams of studying law, she took a detour that would change her life—and the fashion world—forever. At 18, she arrived in New York City, initially to fund her studies with modeling work. What followed was a meteoric rise that saw her grace the covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue a record five times, earning her the iconic moniker "The Body" from Time magazine in 1989.
Photo credits: Elle Macpherson Instagram.
Her career was nothing short of marvelous. From the pages of Vogue and Elle to the runways of Paris and Milan, Elle’s statuesque frame and radiant smile became symbols of an era where beauty was bold yet approachable. She didn’t just model—she created. Founding Elle Macpherson Inc. in 1994, she launched ventures like Elle Macpherson Intimates, a lingerie line that blended sensuality with empowerment, and later WelleCo, a wellness brand born from her own quest for vitality. Her entrepreneurial spirit turned "The Body" into a legacy that extends far beyond the lens.
A Mother's Heart: Flynn and Cy
Yet, for all her global acclaim, Elle’s greatest pride lies in her role as a mother to her two sons, Flynn and Cy, whom she shares with ex-partner Arpad Busson. Flynn, born in 1998, and Cy, born in 2003, have grown into remarkable young men, towering over their famous mother in both stature and spirit. In cherished moments, they’ve joined her on magazine covers—like Vogue Australia and Elle France—their striking resemblance to her a testament to the beauty that runs in their blood.
Photo credits: vogue.com.au
Elle has often spoken of motherhood as her "biggest joy in life." In her book Elle, released in 2024, she opens up about raising her sons amidst the whirlwind of fame, instilling in them the Australian values of courage, authenticity, and a love for nature. Flynn, now a licensed pilot and Cy, who has dipped his toes into fashion while pursuing studies in finance, reflect their mother’s blend of ambition and groundedness.
Photo credits: Elle Macpherson Instagram. Elle Macpherson and her son Flynn Busson. “Happy Birthday to my Valentines Day boy. My first true love, born on the day of love.. with a heart so deep and so sweet and a smile that lights up the room. 27 today!” Date of post: 14 February 2025.
Photo credits: Elle Macpherson Instagram. Elle Macpherson and her son Cy Busson.
Elle: A Book of Wisdom and Love
In Elle, Macpherson offers more than a memoir—it’s a collection of life lessons, a mosaic of her 60 extraordinary years. From her early days in New York to her battle with breast cancer in 2017, which she faced with a holistic approach that defied conventional advice, the book is a raw and honest reflection of a woman who trusts her inner voice. "Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I’ve ever done," she reveals, "but saying no to my own inner sense would have been harder." Now she radiates a wellness that inspires others to find their own strength.
Photo credits: Elle Macpherson Instagram.
The book also delves into her struggles with addiction, her 20 years of sobriety, and the peace she’s found in focusing on inner balance which leads to outer perfection. It’s a gift to readers, particularly younger women, encouraging them to embrace their unique journeys with courage and grace—qualities Elle has embodied throughout her life.
In her Instagram she wrote: “The journey from my head to my heart is an ongoing journey to unconditional love - unlimited love, joy, fulfilment and purpose. My whole life has been a journey looking for that. Sharing powerful life lessons, tools and understandings that I have learned through the highs and lows of my life so you can transform yours. My new book, entitled “elle”.”
Photo credits: Elle Macpherson Instagram.
Monaco: A Connection of Elegance and Serenity
Monaco, with its blend of sophistication and tranquility, holds a special place in Elle’s story. Over the years, she has been spotted gracing the principality’s glamorous events, from charity galas to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, her presence a natural fit among the Côte d’Azur’s elite. Her visits to Monaco reflect her affinity for places that marry beauty with purpose—much like her own life. Elle’s connection to Monaco mirrors her evolution from a supermodel to a global citizen who values wellness, family, and making an impact.
Photo credits: Elle Macpherson Instagram.
In 2024, as she returned to the catwalk after a 16-year hiatus during the Melbourne Fashion Festival, one can imagine her bringing that same energy to Monaco’s shores—a reminder that beauty, at any age, is about vitality and authenticity.
A Legacy of Light
As I write this from the heart of the Principality, with the March sun casting long shadows over Port Hercules, I’m reminded why Elle Macpherson remains a muse for this place. Elle is more than "The Body"—she is a force of nature, a mother, and a storyteller. Her book Elle invites us into her world, not just to marvel at her achievements but to find inspiration in her devotion to her own heart. As she writes in her Instagram, "Don’t give up on your dreams, just make sure each step you take is somehow in their direction." In Monaco, where dreams shimmer against the Mediterranean, her story feels especially poignant—a reminder that true beauty lies in living boldly, loving deeply, and trusting oneself.