Elle Macpherson on motherhood, menopause and ageing

Elle Macpherson has spoken out about her insecurities as a younger model in the fashion industry, always wishing she was “that other girl”.

She’s 61, a global icon, and still very much The Body – but Elle Macpherson says the real glow-up came when she stopped trying to be anyone else.

Now at the helm of her wellness empire WelleCo and stepping into a new chapter of life with fresh purpose, the Aussie icon reflects on identity, motherhood and ageing in an exclusive interview with activewear designer Jodhi Meares for Stellar.

“When I was younger, I was always trying and wishing to be ‘that other girl’ – if only I was shorter, blonder, blue-eyed, cuter,” MacPherson tells Stellar.

“It was only when I leaned into my sporty, Amazonian, six-foot, fierce, Aussie courageousness that my career took off.

“I learnt pretty quickly that our uniqueness is our true superpower. We’re all here to express our unique inner beauty into this world – that’s where the magic happens.”

Elle Macpherson said it was only when she learned to embrace her “sporty, Amazonian, six-foot, fierce, Aussie courageousness” that her career took off. Picture: Naomi Rahim/WireImage

While from the outside her life might look like one long, glossy highlight reel, Macpherson is quick to shut down the idea that it’s always been easy.

She’s a mother to two sons, Flynn and Cy who are now in their twenties. But rather than taking credit for who they’ve become, MacPherson said it’s her boys who should be proud of themselves.

“I can’t really say I’m proud of my sons, in that they are a credit to themselves – they can certainly be proud of themselves,” she said.

Fashion designer Jodhi Meares interviewed Elle MacPherson for Stellar. Source: Instagram

Elle Macpherson on the cover of Stellar.

“I’m very grateful for the relationship we have; that they, as souls, chose me to be their mum, and I have the opportunity to be a guide for them in their lives. As men, they’re thoughtful, diligent, industrious, kind, creative.”

Macpherson’s optimism on ageing doesn’t end with her sons however, with the former model and wellness entrepreneur believing the narrative around menopause and midlife needs to be rewritten.

“I’m proud of WelleCo and our mission to help people live a beautiful, fulfilling life through being well. And I’m excited to be opening new discussions around menopause being a new beginning, as nature intended, rather than an ending to dread, as it seems to be touted these days.

Elle Macpherson with son Cy Busson whom she had with ex-partner Arpad Busson. Picture: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/ via Getty Images

Elle with partner Doyle Bramhall, whom she said has taught her simple techniques to “reset”. Picture: Tennis Australia/Aaron Francis

“Traditionally, it has been recognised as a chance to rebirth into a wiser woman, filled with life’s experiences and bringing that to your community. We need it or we will continue to become lost.”

For all her poise and calm, Macpherson admits she’s had her fair share of overwhelming days, yet has found it’s not about pushing through, but about pausing and consciously choosing a reset.

“For myself, I can reset quickly with three breaths in a practice I learnt from my partner, Doyle [Bramhall II, an American guitarist, producer and songwriter]. I’ve tried lots of ways to rebalance: listening to music; doing a crazy dance; immersing myself in a nurturing activity like cooking, having a bath or gardening.”

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

Originally published as Elle Macpherson on motherhood, menopause and ageing