After a chance encounter with a modeling agent when she was 15, Elaine began spending high school summers in New York City. But it was when her picture appeared in a 1985 issue of Seventeen that Elaine's career really catapulted.
Residence: Bloomington, Indiana
Hometown: Gilbertsville, PA, US
Height: 5'11"
Eye Color: Blue
Date of Birth: August 16, 1969
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Elaine Irwin-Mellencamp was born on August 16, 1969, in Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania. After a chance encounter with a modeling agent when she was 15, Elaine began spending high school summers in New York City. But it was when her picture appeared in a 1985 issue of Seventeen that Elaine's career really catapulted.
The young newcomer soon signed with Ford Models and made the journey to Paris to tackle fashion's heavy hitters. She appeared on the cover of many reputable magazines, including international editions of Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire. After establishing herself in Europe, Elaine returned to New York, where she swiftly snatched up coveted campaigns with Calvin Klein, Versace, Revlon, and Ralph Lauren. In addition to advertisements and fashion shows, Elaine's effortless beauty and cheerful disposition helped her land high-profile commercials with L'Oréal and Pantene.
At 23, Elaine met musician John Mellencamp while working on a shoot for one of his music videos, and within 10 weeks the two were engaged. The couple, together now for over 15 years, have two sons together, Hud and Speck, and reside in Bloomington, Indiana.
Though Elaine spends most of her time with her family, she is currently the spokesmodel for Almay cosmetics and devotes considerable effort to community leadership roles. She is involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Tibetan Cultural Center, Farm Aid, and even served as the spokeswoman for the Indy Racing League in 2001. That same year the model made history when she became the first woman ever to drive a pace car in the Indianapolis 500.
