Gail Elliott Biography

Gail Elliott (born 1966) is an English model and fashion designer. She rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as one of the world's top models, and continues to remain in high demand. She has branched out creatively and professionally with a line of clothing. She is represented by Ford Models.

She was born in Balham, South London. She is a mix of Italian, Portuguese, Indian and Irish-English.

Career

After a long period as a favorite of every designer - Versace, Calvin Klein, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Prada and Marc Jacobs - Elliott retired from the runway to a lucrative career in print work, for which she shot covers and fashion spreads for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle and Marie Claire with photographers such as Mario Testino, Steven Miesel, Patrick Demarchlier, Arthur Elgort, Craig McDean and Peter Lindberg. She also shot advertising campaigns and catalogs.

As a teenager growing up in London, Elliott started modelling at the behest of her ballet teacher. She was signed by an agent and went to Japan, where the 17-year-old matured into a professional model and learned to speak Japanese. She arrived in New York a year later, financially independent with a full "Model Book". - the all important "resume" in the modelling industry. After her first shoot with Meisel, Elliott became one of the top models, once appearing in four different layouts in a single issue of American Vogue.

Little Joe clothing line

Her inspiration for 'Little Joe by Gail Elliott' came out of her experience as a well-traveled model and out of the necessity to find what she calls "comfortable and flattering - sexy little nothings!"

She recalled checking into hotels tired and jet lagged, wanting only "to take a bath, change into comfortable clothes and order room service". The clothing she found available was too flimsy, too short or overtly sexy, compelling her to wrap a towel around herself to answer the door! "It's nice to wear clothing that is sexy enough for your boyfriend, without making the room service guy blush," said Elliott. "It's a fine line..."

She decided to start a clothing line - offering beautiful, flattering slips and camisoles that can double as not only clothes to lounge and sleep in but can be worn out as well.