Elle Macpherson was known as ‘The Body’ after her long association with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
The nickname became closely linked to Macpherson’s athletic appearance and repeated visibility in the swimsuit magazine. It was popularized during the 1980s and remained attached to her public identity throughout her modeling career.
Macpherson appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue five times, a record at the time. Her success demonstrated how a model could become a recognizable media personality rather than being known only within fashion-industry circles.
The nickname is sometimes confused with a particular magazine title or with a single advertising campaign. It was instead a widely used sobriquet for Macpherson. She later worked in acting, television, business, and lingerie, extending her career well beyond editorial modeling.