What profession would you take on if you weren’t a designer?If I wasn’t a fashion designer now, I think I would have taken up fashion portrait photography. I love black & white photography and have collected many beautiful prints over the years by talented photographers – Sam Haskins, Mary Ellen Mark, Peter Lindberg, Max Vadukul, J.H Lartigue, Salgado, August Sander, Helmut Newton and many others. I have a huge collection of black & white photography coffee table books as well, that I treasure. I also love interior design so I could have gone in that direction too!What made you decide you wanted to be a designer?My husband and business partner, Joe Coffey and I started our contemporary womenswear brand, Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliott ten years ago but before that, I modeled in the 80s and 90s and was extremely fortunate to have a long successful career based in New York for twenty four years. I worked with all the most talented photographers, stylists, magazines, hair & makeup people, models and fashion designers in the USA, Europe and around the world at that time. Working with these incredibly talented people, taught me a great deal about clothing, fit, colour, style and design. There came a time when I begun to feel the need to express my learnings and fashion thoughts and feelings creatively. My first designs were very simple and consisted of six silk slips and six silk camisoles in six colours – pieces I wanted to wear and couldn’t find in stores at the time, that worked with my hectic travel schedule. They were easy to pack and made me feel good and so, Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliott was born.What do you love most about fashion?I love that fashion is forever changing and that there is always something new and exciting . I also love how clothing makes you feel and makes your mood change – one can feel powerful, professional, confident, sexy or alluring simply by what one chooses to wear.Who is your style icon?My style icon is a mix of Carine Roitfeld and Kate Moss. Whats the most inspiring place for you? I travel constantly but one inspiring place at the moment is Bali. I find Bali alluring because for me it’s rugged and luxurious at the same time and it’s immersed in a fascinating culture. Every trip is special and I love this beautiful island for the people, the culture, the kindness, the smiles, the sense of community, the climate, the food, the produce, the warm air, the beautiful scenery of the rice paddies and the freedom that permeates the air.Do you have a specific research process when you start designing new pieces?My research process happens constantly – I’m inspired everyday by my life, things I see, people I meet, the places I travel to and conversations and experiences I have. I design for myself, my friends and for my customers and gather information for the next collection, months before we have to put it down on paper.What’s on the radio when you’re working?I’m into quite a selection of music – Chet Faker, Amos Lee, Plan B, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Angus & Julia Stone.What has been the highlight moment of your career so far?There have been many highlights over the years but the ones I’m most proud of right now are our Little Joe Woman boutiques. We have one in Sydney’s Paddington district in Australia and have recently opened on Petitenget in Seminyak in Bali. For us Bali is the epicentre of Asia and we love to be able to show our brand here. We’re also available at selected Myer department stores across Australia, have a strong wholesale business and sell through our own online boutique.Explain about your collections.Our collections feature bold animal prints, fringing, cosy cashmere, florals and lace.The brands off-duty-model aesthetic features our signature slip-dresses pared with structured blazers, while borrowed-from-the-boys shirts, are teamed with luxe leather.Who is the Little Joe Woman?My mission with Little Joe Woman is connect with women of this world. For me the Little Joe Woman appreciates luxury. She has a Rock-Chic vibe, she’s a busy person, enjoys travel and loves life….just like me!Little Joe Woman is available on http://modalyst.co/