Elle Macpherson on Being a Supermodel in the 80's

TL;DR

A supermodel recalls her transition from modeling to creating her own business projects.

Transcript

when did you make the segue from like the modeling business to business business um actually that's a good question I think probably the turnover point was sometime during Sports Illustrated I was looking at the the calendars and thinking I'm Miss January I'd really like to be Miss March because that's when my birthday is okay and actually thinking... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎮 The model's shift towards entrepreneurship was motivated by her desire for control and creativity in her career.
• ™️ Trademarking her famous nickname gave her a strategic advantage in branding and marketing.
• 🤗 The contrasting simplicity of sponsorships and engagements in the modeling industry opened doors to unexpected opportunities.
• 🥺 The interplay between the entertainment and fashion industries during the 80s led to unique collaborations and friendships among artists and models.
• 💢 Her recollection of iconic celebrities serves as a reminder of the cultural significance of that era and the interconnectedness of various fame-oriented professions.
• 🧑‍🏭 Economic factors and sponsorships during her modeling career reshaped her perspective on financial independence and opportunities.
• 👨‍💼 The narrative highlights the precursors to modern influencer culture, with early models venturing into business and personal branding.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired you to create your own calendar instead of continuing your modeling work?

The idea to create my own calendar came during my time with Sports Illustrated. I was thinking about my identity as Miss January and how exciting it could be to represent other months. This led me to invest $60,000 into a calendar, hire a photographer, and explore distribution options, marking the start of my entrepreneurial journey.

Q: How did you go about trademarking the phrase "The Body," and what was your motivation?

I registered the trademark "The Body" to leverage my brand for business growth. It seemed like a strategic move at the time, especially following Time magazine's description of me, which elevated my recognition. I was aware of potential overlaps, like with Jesse Ventura, but I did not foresee any confusion given our distinct career paths.

Q: What was it like being a supermodel in the 1980s?

Being a supermodel in the 1980s was an interesting experience, especially moving from Australia to America. I was often amazed by the luxury opportunities afforded to me, such as being flown to events by magazines. Meeting influential people during that time made me realize how remarkable those moments were in shaping my career and personal life.

Q: Can you share any memorable encounters with celebrities during your modeling career?

One of the most memorable encounters was dining with Michael Jackson and Donald Trump at one of the Trump Towers. Michael was charming and funny, and his ability to evade fans was impressive. I had a front-row seat to that unique aspect of his world, which was eye-opening for me as a young model.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker shares her transition from being a supermodel in Sports Illustrated to pursuing her business interests by creating her own calendar.

• She discusses the advantages of trademarking her nickname, "The Body," and reflects on its implications within other similar contexts, like Jesse Ventura.

• The conversation touches on her experiences and encounters with iconic celebrities, including dinner with Michael Jackson and Donald Trump, highlighting the fascinating nature of her modeling career.