Hurley May Be Highest-Paid Bra Model

ByABC News
November 27, 2000, 7:53 PM

November 27 -- Actress-model Elizabeth Hurley could be getting a huge career boost where she needs it least.

According to buzz from Scottish media outlets, buxom damsel Hurley is about to ink a $4 million-plus deal with the Glasgow, Scotland, company responsible for bringing the gel-filled Ultimo bra to the world's women.

We're interested to see how the chesty Hurley, who hardly faces the same challenges as the women who typically purchase this extreme boob-booster, promotes the padded gadgets without intimidating customers.

If the Bedazzled star does indeed represent MJM International, makers of the bra, the deal would reportedly make her the world's highest-paid lingerie model.

That's good news in light of recent rumblings that Hurley's current contract with cosmetics giant Estée Lauder may be on the rocks. In early November, reports emerged that the makeup firm was considering golden-haired actress Gwyneth Paltrow as its new face, a maneuver it allegedly hoped would downplay Hurley's recent negative press. Ironically, Hurley's PR nose dive began when the actress crossed the Screen Actors Guild picket line to film a Lauder fragrance commercial.

Ultimo bra inventor Michelle Mone teased the press two weeks ago when she told attendees at a charity lunch that she was on the verge of signing "one of the most famous women in the world."

"I can't confirm or deny the reports," an MJM spokeswoman told Reuters today. "No decision has been taken yet." Mone, a former model, created the cleavage-enhancing Ultimo after wearing an uncomfortable push-up bra to a dinner dance.

Hurley can probably attest to suffering in the name of fashion; the star reportedly caused more than a few jaws to drop at the VH1-Vogue Fashion Awards in October, when her barely there halter dress lost its grip on her cleavage. One bystander apparently asked Hurley how such a thing happened, causing the actress to snap, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Reuters contributed to this story.