25 Things You Didn't Know About Me

I'm so grateful and humbled by your recent comments on the blog and want to thank you for your kind messages and feedback. I receive many questions about my life and career and so I thought for this weeks post I would answer some of your questions and share a bit more about myself with you. I love hearing from you so be sure to leave a comment and let me know if there's something you would like me to share on the blog. Thanks again for sharing this fashion journey with me.

Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliott

My style can best be described as: A combination of rock-chic elegance and boho-luxe with a touch of haute-hippy

A Little Joe Woman always: Has impeccable manners, is always excited to travel, loves and appreciates life

My favourite print is: Animal print

Women who currently inspire me are: Isabel Marant (everyday wearable luxury personified), Cindy Crawford (she embodies that classic American style, a nurturing mother and wife, an astute business woman and one of my best friends), Carine Roitfeld (please see previous blog post), Lisa-Marie Fernandez (a super cool and talented swimwear designer and business woman), Sophie Amoruso (author, #GIRLBOSS and entrepreneur), Natalia Vodianova, Yasmin Le Bon, and Christy Turlington

My go-to designers for accessories & shoes are: Balenciaga, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Chloe, Gianvito Rossi and Goyard

If I didn’t work in fashion, I would probably: Have been a black & white portrait photographer or worked in interior design, which I love

My essential beauty products are: 

• Exfol L 15
• Photostat 9
• Retinol Brûlée and moisturizer all from Aspect Dr. I've been using these products for a few years and they contain ingredients that actually work and keep my skin looking smooth, cleansed and healthy. I also use La Mer toner that I mix with Jurlique Rose toner and spritz on my face morning & night instead of using water on my face

My current lipstick obsession is: Nars - Belle Du Jour - one of many beige / flesh coloured lipstick worn with one of many clear / beige lip glosses from Tom Ford, Chanel or Model Co. 

Every girl should own: A silk slip dress and a leather jacket

The best part of being a model in the 90s was: The camaraderie among a group of twenty-five models who ruled the runways and magazines. Also the glamour of the time such as Concorde, designers’ private jets, the parties, glamorous clothes, runway shows, all the beautiful hotels from Morocco to Mexico that we stayed at, all the interesting people in the business during that time. Also add the rock stars who came to our runway shows and also being special guests at their rock concerts

My biggest “supermodel” moment was: Being on the cover of Italian Vogue, campaigns for Gianni Versace and runway shows for Chanel

Gail Elliott by Hiro for Italian Vogue

What I miss about my modeling days is: I don’t really miss my modeling days as I have moved on and started a contemporary womenswear fashion brand Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliott. But I do miss hanging out with all the girls during the New York, Milan & Paris fashion weeks, working hard but also having fun and memorable experiences together

What I don’t miss about my modeling days is: I don’t like the cold weather and didn’t look forward to shooting summer clothing in freezing cold weather which we always had to do since we had to shoot three months ahead of the publications issue date

My favorite model of the moment is: Still Kate Moss

My 90s model icon is: Cindy Crawford

When Cindy Crawford, Yasmin Le Bon and I get together we: Cause trouble….eat, drink, have fun...although the three of us live in different parts of the world and so we can’t get together often anymore. It's either Yassy and I or Cindy and I, but the three of us are long overdue for another catch-up and to reshoot the first image we shot in the Turks & Caicos that launched my brand

Gail Elliott, Cindy Crawford & Yasmin LeBon by Joe Montezinos

Seeing my fellow modeling peers in campaigns now is: Cool and they all still look so beautiful. Marriage, motherhood and life have been good for them; they have interesting lives, they’re strong and opinionated women. Some have embraced philanthropy yet can still jump back into fashion and represent designer campaigns like Cindy, Naomi & Claudia for Balmain, and Yasmin, Eva Herzigova, Nadja Auermann and Stella Tennant for Giorgio Armani. There are currently so many stunning campaigns with many of the beautiful models from the late 80s and 90s who not only looking amazing, but time has made them even more interesting today

The photographer that best captured my personality was: There wasn’t just one photographer, I felt there were many including Arthur Elgort, Patrick Demarchelier and Albert Watson

Gail Elliott by Steven Meisel for American Vogue

I always blast: Adele’s “Hello" when I hear it on the radio

I never leave home without: My iPhone, shades, and lip gloss. I have a thing about wearing something on my lips

 

I don't recommend wearing: Mules or a velour tracksuit

I'm currently reading: #GirlBoss for the seventh time

Every woman should own: A beautiful pen

My travel essentials are: 

• Lisa-Marie Fernandez bikini’s and one piece bathing suits, 
• LJW silk slip dresses
• Leather jacket
• Books & magazines
• Ultraceuticals sunscreen
• Aspect Dr, and La Mer skincare
• Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliott Silk Slip Dresses
• Gianvito Rossi heels
• A cashmere wrap / blanket
• Evian water
• Paleo snacks
• Black Samsonite luggage
• Lavender essential oil to spray on the plane seat to help me sleep

The best thing about living in Bali is: Its beauty. Waking up here every morning to the sunlight, the smells, the sound of the ocean, our pool, orchids in my garden, the smiles of the beautiful Balinese people, my husband and our wonderful lives here.