Madison fashion - Five minutes with Gail Elliott

Supermodel-turned-fashion designer Gail Elliott rose to fame in the '80s after securing a modelling contract in Japan. Since then she’s graced numerous covers and walked many a runway. Now, this beauty counts Cindy Crawford, Helena Christiansen and Yasmin Le Bon as her closest friends and is at the helm of clothing brand Little Joe Women.

Here she chats to madison about her personal style, her fashion icons and what she’ll never been seen in…

What's inside your party clutch?
“Lip Gloss Pur by YSL, Kiehl’s Musk Perfume, TicTac mints and Lancôme pressed powder compact.”

Best party dress this season?
“I'm looking forward to wearing our Little Joe Woman chiffon Longing for Love dress.”

When heading to a party what would you not leave home without?
“I'm loving my Terry Biviano Rampage heels in Nude leather - they seem to go with everything.”

How would you describe your style aesthetic?
“I like to be comfortable but stylish and chic, slightly edgy and effortless.”

Has a particular designer or era influences your sense of style?
“I don't think a particular designer or era has influenced my sense of style, my style is quite simple and not trendy. I like clothing that suit my lifestyle, I like quality not quantity.”

Where do you seek sartorial inspiration?
“Inspiration comes from my life, exotic travel, movies, friends... everything that happens around me is inspirational.”

What trend are you looking forward to embracing this spring/ summer?
“I love wearing printed silk maxi dresses in summer. I also love wearing blazers and will be wearing our silk 'Tune In' in white and our preppy style 'On The Edge' in Peacock Blue with a Gardenia trim.

What’s the one fashion item you’ll never wear again?
“I've never worn and I don't think I'll ever wear Mule shoes!”

Who is your style icon? Why?
“I admire Carine Rotfield (ex French Vogue editor), Karin Upton Baker (Hermes Australia), Heidi Middleton, Rosie Huntington-Whitley and Kate Moss for the way they dress because they're all extremely stylish, chic and effortless.”

What is your fashion mantra?
“I keep it simple and chic.”

What is the most important lesson in style you’ve learnt and who was it from?
“I learned so much over the 24 years I lived in New York from all the talented designers, stylists, editors and photographers I worked with. Through watching designers work in their studios, fitting for them and walking in their shows and stylists and editors at photo shoots, I learned how to put an outfit together and make it my own style.”

Most coveted item in your wardrobe?
“I wouldn't know where to start! I have so many beautiful pieces designers have given me over the years.... Chanel suits from Karl, beaded pieces and evening dresses from Gianni, a full-length leather military coat that I wore in Tom Ford's first show for Gucci, pieces from Marc Jacobs' first show, over 100 vintage pieces from Azzedine, Hermès Birken's and even a green crocodile Kelly bag and so much more – all gifts whilst working with these wonderfully talented and generous people.

Do you have a piece you love, which your partner/mum/friends hate?
“No, thankfully I don't so I'm able to keep everyone happy.”

What’s next on your wardrobe wish list?
“I'd love a gold Cartier Love Bracelet!”