The loves of my LIFE

The mum, model and columnist chats with Elle Gordon about her favourite people, places and things

“My husband Rob is my best friend and the person who supports me the most”

“I love Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman’, it’s such an iconic movie and it was amazing to see all the places it was shot”

The person

My husband Rob is my best friend and the person who supports me the most. We always have each other’s backs, and he’s such a great role model for the boys, Robert Jnr (eight) and Hudson (two).

The memory

Growing up and visiting my grandmother’s house with my cousins on their stud farm. We loved setting up the jumps for the horses, and having loads of fun doing so. I look back on those memories so fondly.

The moment of the day

When the kids come home from school. It’s always mayhem, panic and a bit of a rush, but I love hearing their stories from the day and seeing their smiley faces.

The song Songbird

by Eva Cassidy. It was the song I walked down the aisle to, and Mary Black performed it so beautifully. It always reminds me so much of our special day.

The movie Pretty Woman.

The first place I visited when we went to LA was the Beverly Wilshire hotel. I love Julia Roberts, who is one of my favourite actresses, and it’s such an iconic movie, so it was amazing to see all of the places it was shot.

The hero

My parents. They set such a good example when we were growing up and they did so much for myself and my brother. They invested so much time in us.

The book Jane Eyre

by Charlotte Bronte. I studied it for my Leaving Cert and had an amazing English teacher, Ray O’Neill.

The outfit

My wedding dress! I put so much effort into planning it. Elie Saab designed it for me; I have fond memories going to Paris to design it with him and have it fitted. When I see it in my wardrobe, it brings back so many amazing memories.

The accessory

For Valentine’s Day a few years ago, Rob surprised me with a Cartier Love bracelet, and the same day I found out I was pregnant with Hudson. It’s really special.

The gadget

My phone. I do try to have moments in the day when I put it away, but my phone is the one gadget I couldn’t live without.

The pet hate

Bad manners in people. It doesn’t take anything to be considerate and to have good manners. It really gets on my nerves when people are rude!

The friend

My cousin Lorraine, who is six years older than me. She is the older sister I never had, and as we got older, the age gap lessened. She’s always been there for me and she probably knows me better than anyone!

The beauty product

Great Lengths hair extensions. I use them to add volume and colour. I love the added thickness they give, and if I want to go a little brighter, I can add some lighter strands, instead of colouring my own hair.

The holiday

Sardinia in Italy. The food is incredible and the scenery is stunning — it’s such a relaxing, chilled-out place.

The hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel. From the moment you step inside, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. They’ve barely changed the decor since they opened, and it really is such a distinctive place.

The piece of advice

Live life to the full and don’t be too hard on yourself. Don’t worry about making mistakes, that’s what helps you grow.

The drink

I love fresh-fruit peach Bellinis. They’re so refreshing. I tried my first one on holiday in Sardinia. I’ve been hooked ever since.

The bar

There are too many spots in Ireland to choose from, but Soho House in LA in West Hollywood is a favourite. It’s such a cool hangout spot.

The hobby

Walking my golden Labrador, Wilson, who’s 12. I love to take him around Malahide Castle when I’m home. He was my baby before I had children, and he comes everywhere with us.

The part of my body

I think my eyes, because I believe the saying, ‘Eyes are the window to the soul’. I have unusual-coloured eyes, so they are a little bit different, which I like.

The celebrity

Meryl Streep. She’s so eloquent, and never holds back when speaking about her beliefs. She’s a true icon and role model.

The virtue

I think kindness and respect for others. It costs nothing to be kind and it’s a pleasure to deal with people who are pleasant and kind.

The vice Drinking too much coffee! The smell

Pomegranate Noir by Jo Malone London. It reminds me of Christmas at my mom’s.

The taste

I love Japanese food. My favourite dish is black cod, and I try to cook it myself but my favourite is from Nobu.