Elle at home on the Tyne

May 23rd, 2008

SUPERMODEL Elle Macpherson jetted into Tyneside yesterday and immediately felt at home. Posing for photographers against the iconic backdrop of the Tyne Bridge, the Australian model turned businesswoman said she enjoyed the echoes of home.
“As I flew in, I felt really at home because this reminds me of Sydney and then I heard the story of the bridge. It’s just like a little mini harbour bridge, and the architecture reminds me of Australia,” she said.
Now based in London, the woman known as ‘The Body’ was on a flying trip to the region to add a touch of glamour to the Entrepreneurs’ Forum fifth annual conference, Progres5ive, at the NewcastleGateshead Hilton hotel.
Dressed in a black Stella McCartney suit and killer heels – “I’m 6ft, 6ft 4 or 5 in these heels” – the willowy model, mum and businesswoman prides herself on always using her brain as well as that famous body.
But she said: “I have a moniker that was coined in 1989 by Time magazine and a lot of people say to me are you not offended?
“And actually, I’ve turned it into a business and I have a whole ‘Body’ business so it has actually been incredibly beneficial.”Her businesses include the Elle Macpherson Intimates lingerie range, a new joint venture with Boots to relaunch her ‘The Body’ bath and body products collection in the UK, in addition to fitness videos and working as lifestyle director for surfing clothing company Hot Tuna Surf.
She has also graced the big screen in Sirens, Batman & Robin and appeared in TV comedy Friends.
“My modelling career was a stepping stone to where I am today and I tried to manage my modelling career in a slightly unorthodox fashion,” she said.
“When I was involved with Sports Illustrated making their swimsuit calendar, I woke up one day and I thought why are they making all the profits?
“So I had opportunities in my modelling career to manage it in a way that made more financial and creative sense. As I mature, it has flourished, and I have fronted businesses, tangible businesses.”
Now 44 and the mother of two boys, Macpherson admits that it is hard to achieve a balance between work and her home life.
She said: “My children are in school. When they are in school, I manage to get some work done.
“From nine o’clock at night to 1am, that’s when I do my work, then I sleep a bit. It’s a constant challenge, but a welcome challenge.”
It’s just like a little mini harbour bridge, and the architecture reminds me of Australia