The model, 59, arrived at the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival and walked the red carpet, supporting local designers by donning a fabulous shimmering silver Alex Perry dress and white jacket from Toni Maticevski.
Macpherson, who was born and grew up in Sydney, then took to the runway for the first time in nearly 15 years, showing off her famous walk in a showcase of select Australian designers alongside local models.
She wore three different outfits from beloved Australian brands, a tiered black midi-dress and blazer from Aje, a buttercream yellow coat and matching wide-leg pants from Bianca Spender and a textural tan ensemble with a floor-sweeping coat from Viktoria & Woods.
“It was so beautiful, what a celebration,” Macpherson said of her experience returning to her old modelling gig by featuring in the show. “It is wonderful to be here. I was walking in some brilliant Australian designers and really enjoying myself.”
“For me it was a celebration of being home, a celebration of Australian Fashion, of Melbourne, which is the headquarters for WelleCo [Macpherson’s vitamin and supplement company] as well, and just being with my peers. It was such a joy.”
She also shared the fashion label Ngali, that features First Nations’ artists work, had caught her eye. “I wish I was wearing one of their outfits, the prints were beautiful.”
“Elle was fabulous,” said Shane Capron, Senior Director of Consumer Engagement at PayPal, key sponsor of the event. “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.”
Capron said the intention of the fashion celebration in Melbourne was to highlight Australian fashion brands that have also found success on the global stage, similar to what Macpherson herself has achieved with her personal brand and her work with beauty and wellness supplements WelleCo.
“Not only is Elle an Australian who became a world-famous supermodel, she is also an incredible businesswoman who has launched globally successful brands,” Capron said.
