Ageism and body-shaming in the spotlight: Why Elle Macpherson’s Bonds campaign is sparking a much-needed conversation.
Supermodel Elle Macpherson, the iconic Australian beauty known as 'The Body,' recently became the face of Bonds' new Bases Flex underwear campaign. The campaign’s message? Embrace and celebrate the skin you’re in. But here's where it gets controversial: despite the empowering theme, Macpherson faced a wave of online criticism after the campaign’s Instagram debut. Trolls targeted her appearance, claiming her skin looked ‘sun-damaged’ and that she was ‘unrecognizable.’ Is this just another example of society’s unrealistic beauty standards, or is there a deeper conversation to be had about aging in the public eye?
And this is the part most people miss: while the hate was loud, Macpherson’s fans rallied in her defense, praising her natural beauty and timeless appeal. In a candid interview with Nine's Today Show, Macpherson addressed the backlash with grace. ‘I don’t take things personally,’ she said. ‘What other people think of me is none of my business.’ Her response highlights a powerful mindset—one that prioritizes inner guidance over external judgment. But let’s pause for a moment: How often do we let others’ opinions dictate our self-worth? And is it ever truly possible to ignore the noise?
Macpherson, now 61, has been open about her approach to aging. She’s admitted to using Botox and fillers but draws the line at surgery, preferring to ‘keep it natural.’ ‘I haven’t had surgery; it’s not in my game plan,’ she told Telegraph Magazine in 2016. ‘Things can go wrong really easily, and sometimes people end up looking worse.’ Instead, she focuses on holistic wellness, including vitamin injections, infusions, and a nutrition-focused lifestyle. Here’s a thought: In a world obsessed with youth, is choosing natural aging a radical act of self-love?
Her journey took a turn in her 50s when she noticed changes in her skin, hair, and energy levels. ‘I wasn’t feeling inspired,’ she shared in 2023. ‘I had sugar cravings, poor digestion, and wasn’t sleeping well.’ After consulting a nutritionist, she ditched synthetic vitamins for a powerful multivitamin, prebiotic, and probiotic regimen. The results? A dramatic shift in her well-being, which inspired her to launch WelleCo, a wellness brand aimed at helping others feel their best. But here’s the question: Can supplements and lifestyle changes really turn back the clock, or is it more about embracing the natural process of aging?
Macpherson’s story isn’t just about her—it’s a reflection of broader societal issues. The backlash she faced underscores the double standards women, especially those in the public eye, endure as they age. Yet, her response is a masterclass in resilience and self-assurance. So, let’s end with this: How do we redefine beauty to include all ages, and what role does media—and society—play in shaping these standards? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going.
