Gail Elliott
Founder and creative director of Little Joe Woman, 60, Bali
When it comes to cool closets, Gail Elliott (aka queen of the “silk slip dress”) has it made with Indian gold bangles, vintage Chanel belts, ’80s Alaia dresses and leather jackets forming the perfect day-to-night offering.
Having walked international runways with the greats (such as Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell) and now celebrating
20 years of co-founding fashion brand Little Joe Woman, it’s no wonder Elliott is heralded as one of the most stylish women where both her brand and personal wardrobe remain true to her classic style and fashion philosophy.
Describe your personal style. It’s classic and elegant with a beachy edge.
Who are your style icons? Kate Moss, Carine Roitfeld, Karin Upton-baker (Hermes, Australia) and Laurie-lynn Stark (Chrome Hearts).
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
My mother’s Indian gold bangles from when she was a young girl, which I now wear every day.
What are your favourite brands? I wear my own clothing brand Little Joe Woman every day but I love mixing it with my vintage bouclé jackets, handbags and chain belts from Chanel and bags from Balenciaga. I love Hermes Birkin bags and scarves as well as my collection of skull silk scarves from Alexander Mcqueen. I have an amazing collection of vintage Azzedine
Alaia from when I used to walk his runways in the late ’80s and ’90s. I also love Chrome Hearts for their leather jackets, jeans and jewellery but everything they do is amazing.
Have you ever made a style faux pas? No one’s mentioned one yet … but it’s possible!
What is the most surprising thing in your wardrobe? It’s not that surprising for Bali but it is 24-hour airconditioned or everything would grow mould.
Top three wardrobe must haves? Slip dress. leather jacket, ankle boots. You can go anywhere in this combination.
Most sentimental item in your wardrobe?
My wedding dress, above, that designer Marie-anne Oudejans, co-founder and designer of Tocca, made 25 years ago when I married Joe Coffey, CEO of our brand.
What would you buy if money was no object? An HH44 catamaran for my husband and I to sail around the world in.
Summer or winter fashion?
I have lived in Bali for eight years y but have always loved summer and resort dressing.
Denim or dresses? I live in slip dresses.
Heels or sneakers? Heels, flats.
Is there anything in your wardrobe you have regretted throwing out?
I gave a friend a printed floral, flowing, silk, maxi dress that Marc Jacobs gave me after one of his New York runway shows about 20 years ago – I still wonder where it might be.
How many pairs of shoes do you own? Probably 100 but only wear three.
Favourite fashion era? Definitely late ’80s and ’90s. I feel so blessed to have been a model in that era – it was the most exciting time to have been in the fashion world.
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