ROOM1903: Gail Elliott's Guide to Bali

Gail Elliott’s journey as a fashion designer began in New York, where she was part of the original supermodel pack and walked the runways with the likes of Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Helena Christensen.

It was Christensen and her boyfriend at the time, lNXS frontman Michael Hutchence, who introduced Elliott to the man who would become her husband, Joe Coffey.  

Together, the couple founded their own fashion line, Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliott, a women’s fashion brand of resort wear.  

But paradise was calling. The couple, who had relocated to Sydney from New York, received an offer to franchise their Little Joe Woman brand and open stores in Bali. One visit to the island was enough to convince them. Within a few months, they had sold their home on Bondi Beach and shipped everything to Bali, including their two dogs.

Today, Elliott and Coffey work from their own design studio and factory in Bali, where they produce ethical fashion, working with local pattern makers, sewers and craftsmen.

Years of modeling gave Elliott unique insight into the transformative power of well-made clothing and helped hone her rock-chic elegant aesthetic. But every designer needs a muse, and Elliott has found it in Bali, an island known for its lush natural beauty and laidback vibe.

“We love living in Bali,” says Elliott. “It’s an extraordinary part of the world. It’s magical and beautiful, and we’ve created a wonderful life here.”

This month, Room 1903 is asking insiders in different cities to share their favorite spots in town. Naturally, we had to ask Elliott to kick things off by offering some her Bali go-tos:

The Legian Bali

This is one of our favorite old-school luxury hotels in Bali, located in Seminyak and facing the Indian Ocean. From the minute you enter the grounds, you notice the incredible service and attention to detail. From the cold hand towels scented with lemongrass to the sprawling, perfectly manicured lawn sprinkled with palm trees swaying in the breeze, to the frangipani flowers left on your pillow at night, staying here is a typically Balinese experience. The French chef serves the most incredible food - everything on the menu is delicious and the sunsets from this location are incredible.

Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliott

Our women’s clothing boutique is located at the Tamora Gallery in Berawa, Canggu and is filled with an array of beautifully made silk dresses, blouses, skirts, shorts, maxi dresses, jackets, handbags, sandals, ankle boots and some leather items, all designed by me. Our pieces are made for comfort, are high quality and timeless with an elegant, rock-chic edge. They’re pieces you’ll enjoy on vacation and that can be worn layered when you get home.

La Vela Bali

One of our favorite restaurants, situated right on the sand at Berawa Beach.. It’s a cool Mediterranean-style restaurant surrounded by palm trees and outfitted with comfortable natural rattan and white furnishings, decadent daybeds to lounge on all afternoon while linen curtains blow in the breeze, and exceptional food. My husband and I usually order a selection of starters, salads and seafood and share. The Japanese tuna, wrapped in finely sliced radish; the sautéed sardines with Balinese sambal; and the fresh Greek salad are some of our favorites.

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Perched atop the cliffs of Uluwatu, this is one of my favorite chic and luxurious hotels. With its incredible ocean views, modern Balinese design and incredible spa, it's the perfect place to unwind, reflect, appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy magical sunsets.

Cafe Del Mar Bali - Beach Club & Restaurant

This expansive, elegant, contemporary Mediterranean-inspired beachfront restaurant and beach club is a pretty special experience with its restaurants, infinity pool, swim-up bars, cabanas, pool booths and sunset booths. The food is good and the staff are friendly and attentive, serving tacos, empanadas and ceviche. The atmosphere is relaxing, yet it has a cool vibe with chill music being played from a gigantic DJ stage all day and night.

Article from: https://room1903.com/gail-elliotts-guide-to-bali-82#stories