When public figures spend decades in the spotlight, their personal lives often attract intense speculation. Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson earned global fame as "The Body", gracing countless magazine covers and building a massive business empire. Behind the glamour, her romantic path includes high-profile marriages, long-term partnerships, and high-profile romances that shaped her personal journey.
Understanding her relationship history requires looking past tabloid headlines to see how her partnerships evolved alongside her career. From early marriages in the fashion world to modern creative collaborations, her path reflects both the challenges of maintaining privacy under public scrutiny and the realities of modern family life.
Early Life and First Marriage to Gilles Bensimon
In the mid-1980s, Macpherson's career skyrocketed as she transitioned from a promising Australian model to an international icon. During a photo session for Elle magazine in 1984, she met French fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon.
The pair married in May 1986, when Macpherson was just 22 years old. Bensimon, who served as the international creative director for Elle, shared a deep connection with her within the upper echelons of the fashion industry. However, the intense demands of their respective global careers placed strain on the union. The marriage lasted three years, ending in divorce in 1989. Despite the quick dissolution, the relationship cemented her status as a central figure in high fashion and set the stage for her subsequent global prominence.
The Decade-Long Partnership With Arpad Busson
Following her divorce from Bensimon and various high-profile romances—including a well-documented relationship with musician Billy Joel—Macpherson entered a long-term relationship with French financier Arpad Busson in 1996.
Though they never married, the couple spent nearly a decade together, primarily based in London. They welcomed two sons:
- Arpad Flynn Alexander Busson (born in 1998)
- Aurelius Cy Andrea Busson (born in 2003)
The couple separated amicably in 2005, choosing to share custody and co-parent their sons across international borders. Her children have since grown into adulthood, occasionally stepping into the worlds of modeling and higher education.
Marriage to Billionaire Jeffrey Soffer
In 2009, Macpherson began dating Miami-based real estate developer and billionaire Jeffrey Soffer. Their relationship weathered several highs and lows, including a brief separation in 2012 following a helicopter crash in the Bahamas that Soffer survived.
The ordeal brought them closer together. In August 2013, the couple tied the knot in an intimate, private ceremony in Fiji, surrounded by close friends and family. The union joined two worlds of substantial business influence, with Soffer managing major luxury real estate properties through Turnberry Associates.
However, the marriage was relatively short-lived. By June 2017, reports confirmed that Macpherson had moved out of their shared Miami mansion and initiated divorce proceedings. The split was finalized later that year, closing out a high-net-worth chapter of her personal life.
Current Partnership and Creative Collaborations
Following her divorce from Soffer, Macpherson focused heavily on wellness ventures, personal health advocacy, and her lifestyle brand, WelleCo. After a brief, publicized relationship with anti-vaccine activist Andrew Wakefield between 2017 and 2019, she found a grounded creative partner in American musician and songwriter Doyle Bramhall II.
The couple went public with their relationship in late 2022. Bramhall, an acclaimed guitarist who has worked extensively with Eric Clapton and other legendary rock acts, shares Macpherson's passion for the arts and holistic living. Their relationship blends mutual support with artistic collaboration, notably working together on the audio edition of Macpherson's memoir.
For more details on her career milestones and business evolution, you can explore her profile on Vogue. To understand how high-profile models transition into wellness entrepreneurs, read insights covered by Forbes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Elle Macpherson been married?
Macpherson has been married twice. Her first marriage was to fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon from 1986 to 1989, and her second marriage was to billionaire businessman Jeffrey Soffer from 2013 to 2017.
Does Elle Macpherson have children?
Yes, she has two sons, Flynn and Cy, shared with her former partner, French financier Arpad Busson. Both sons are adults and have occasionally pursued creative and academic ventures.
Who is Elle Macpherson currently dating?
Macpherson has been in a relationship with American musician and guitarist Doyle Bramhall II since 2022. The couple frequently collaborate on creative projects and maintain a low-key lifestyle between the United States and Australia.
What inspired Billy Joel's music regarding Elle Macpherson?
During their early 1980s relationship, Macpherson served as an inspiration for legendary musician Billy Joel. Joel confirmed that tracks like "This Night" and "And So It Goes" drew directly from their romance.
