Supermodel Elle Macpherson makes triumphant runway return

Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson has returned to the runway for the first time in 14 years.

It has been 14 long years since Australia’s most famous supermodel graced a runway.

On Monday, the 59-year-old proved she has not missed a step.

Macpherson strutted down the PayPal Runway to kick off the 2024 Melbourne Fashion Festival at the Royal Exhibition Building.

She wore beloved Australian brands such as Aje with a plunging layered plissé black dress with sheer panelling and an oversized blazer.

But it wasn’t the only label she modelled. Macpherson also wore a canary yellow oversized coat and matching trousers from Bianca Spender, as well as a brown coat with a dramatic train.

In her third appearance, she donned a fluffy sweater and scarf from Viktoria & Woods.

Supermodel Elle Macpherson returns to the runway for PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival Royal Exhibition Building. Picture: Jason Edwards

Ahead of her return to the runway, Macpherson said: “I’m honoured to support PayPal in promoting Australian fashion globally. PayPal’s platform gives creative talents and small businesses the opportunity to grow internationally by building customer trust.

“From personal experience, I know the challenges of taking a business global, and how valuable trusted partners are in that process.”

She told the Herald Sun she was grateful for her Australian heritage and for Australian brands being given an opportunity to shine.

Macpherson wearing Bianca Spender. Picture: Jason Edwards

Macpherson’s partnership with PayPal will be supporting UNICEF, a global children’s charity that provides humanitarian and development aid, through a multinational fundraising campaign later this year.

Shane Capron, the senior director of consumer engagement at PayPal, was thrilled with how the runway show went down.

Macpherson wearing Viktoria & Woods. Picture: Jason Edwards

“Elle was fabulous – so excited that we were able to bring her back to the catwalk for the PayPal Runway on the eve of her 60th birthday. What an Australian icon. Such an inspiration,” Mr Capron said.

“This year the PayPal runway is all about celebrating the success of Australian fashion brands that have achieved success on the global stage – just like Elle. Not only is Elle an Australian who became a world-famous supermodel, she is also an incredible businesswoman who has launched globally successful brands.”

PayPal supports over 150,000 Australian fashion businesses with a total of 380 million shoppers worldwide.