ELLY MCGAW X
BEC + BRIDGE

Australian born stylist and creative director, Elly McGaw, is known for her effortlessly chic style and perfect clothing pairings.
 
We partnered with the creative to style her favourite looks from our latest collection - 'EMBODY'. Read more on our interview with Elly.
 

How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?

My personal style is quite fluid, I like to be reactive and dress for the kinds of moods I want to be in. In general, I'm quite the minimalist, I am not big on colour in my wardrobe. Natural tones are my go to. I also like to dress more on the masculine side, occasionally with skirts dresses but you will mostly always see me in suit pants, boots, t-shirts. I think naturally I'm very feminine in my presence so I like to balance it out.

Welcome back to Australia! We’re so excited to have you here, what are you enjoying the most about being in Sydney?

Thank you - I am so happy to be back here… spending time in Sydney over summer is such a welcome break from New York Winter. I really enjoy coming here and having a ‘working holiday’ - being able to go to the beach after a job is so special and not something you get to do anywhere else. It’s also so great to be able to spend time with my boyfriend's family and catch up with friends.

What is your favourite piece from our 'EMBODY' collection?

The Natice Trench Coat is so lux and heavy, it feels like armour, also the black tight dress is so chic.

When styling an outfit, what rules do you always follow?

I never follow rules tbh, it comes quite instinctively. However I always like to make sure there is something a little special, something that shines - maybe a belt, maybe a bag, or maybe a stack of earrings. I love vintage and think these little unique pops of silver or gold help to bring some sparkle in an outfit.

Do you have a favourite Sydney beach?

I used to always gravitate towards Bronte, but on this trip, I have spent more and more time at the harbour beaches, particularly Redleaf and Camp Cove. I love the little ocean pool at Redleaf with the floating pontoons that you can swim out to, and Camp Cove has the clearest most amazing water to swim in… both have great kiosks with great coffee.

Tell us about your favourite wardrobe item?

It was a vintage Prada belt, but I recently purchased this stunning silver flower brooch from a market in Paris and now it's taken the title. i am officaly a brooch person.

Where is your favourite place in the world and why?

Palm Beach, NSW. Where I grew up! I didn't realise until I swapped my life for the big city how lucky we are back home. It has a very special place in my heart! Nothing beats it!

Where do you find inspiration?

Nature, it calms and recenters me, I think that's where I dig for gold.

Who are your style icons?

I have always found this question quite hard, because I wouldn't say I have a specific icon, I think I see inspiration in all kinds of women in everyday life. But if I did have to choose I would probably say Mary Kate and Ashely Olsen - the Row is such a beautiful brand and I love all they embody.

What do you miss the most about NY and London?

My sister and best friends and family, I have such a special relationship with those closest to me and the opposite time zone makes them feel very far away. Both New York and London can feel very busy and at times overwhelming, so it’s lovely to be able to step away from that energy for a moment to reset and be excited to get back.

Looking back 8 years ago in 2014, you featured as the face of our Spring campaign. We’ve loved watching you grow over the years. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in that time?

I remember this shoot with you so well! It was my first ever job ever in Sydney and happened to be the day after I had landed from London and it was just so hot…. Pierre (who shot it) and I were actually reminiscing about this day and the heat of the cactus garden only the other day as we were on another very hot job together. This trip in 2014 when I shot with you was one of the first overseas trips I ever did as a model… and I have learnt much since then - about myself and the industry. I guess I am just so incredibly grateful for everything that this job has given me and all the lessons that it has taught me… I frequently think about how truly lucky I feel that this is the way I get to spend my days

How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?

Quite casual… I tend to gravitate towards tees / boxers / jeans most days, but can also really appreciate dressing up a little more for an occasion… the dress that you so kindly sent me, a few months ago I have worn for every occasion I’ve had recently and I always get so many compliments, so thank you for adding to my wardrobe essentials.

What is your favourite piece from our Autumn collection?

I really love the silky champagne coloured dress with the green stripe at the top. It actually reminds me of the dress I just mentioned in the question before… I am a creature of habit and always seem to gravitate towards similar pieces.

You’re an innate creative, where and how do you feel your most creative self coming out?

I think when I have the space (physically and mentally) that allows me to be creative. There are times when it feels like ‘life’ takes over and I’m ‘too busy’ and I realise I haven’t been creative for myself in so long. Or vice versa I have too much free time and feel uninspired to do anything… but in all honesty, both are just excuses and I know that when I do take a moment to invest time into creating, it brings me so much joy.

What’s something you can’t live without?

Time to myself. It’s taken me a while to realise how important this is to me as I also love being around my partner and friends… but having an hour or so in the morning to meditate or call my family or practice yoga has become so invaluable to me.


ELLY MCGAW X
BEC + BRIDGE

Australian born stylist and creative director, Elly McGaw, is known for her effortlessly chic style and perfect clothing pairings.
We partnered with the creative to style her favourite looks from our latest collection 'EMBODY'. Read more on our interview with Elly.
 

How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?

My personal style is quite fluid, I like to be reactive and dress for the kinds of moods I want to be in. In general, I'm quite the minimalist, I am not big on colour in my wardrobe, Natural tones are my go to. I also like to dress more on the masculine side, occasionally with skirts dresses but you will mostly always see me in suit pants, boots, t-shirts. I think naturally I'm very feminine in my presence so I like to balance it out.

How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?

I dress very much how I feel. I think I have a very classy, easy look. I pay a lot attention to good fabrics. I am not a fan of much color and I do love jewelry very much. Everything happens very instinctively.

What is your favourite piece from our 'EMBODY' collection?

The Natice Trench Coat is so lux and heavy, it feels like armour, also the black tight dress is so chic.

What are your ultimate wardrobe staples?

Raw denim and a good shirt - in combination with the right jewelry, this outfit can go any way.

What is your favourite piece from our 'REMINISCE' collection?

I really love the transparent pieces as well as the green shiny blouse.

When styling an outfit, what rules do you always follow?

I never follow rules tbh, it comes quite instinctively. However I always like to make sure there is something a little special, something that shines - maybe a belt, maybe a bag, or maybe a stack of earrings. I love vintage and think these little unique pops of silver or gold help to bring some sparkle in an outfit.

A skill you’re working on mastering?

To choose my thoughts with mindfulness.

How/when did your iconic 'elevator selfie' come about?

To be honest, I don’t remember. It was years ago now when I took my first selfie inside this elevator - to me it was/is just a normal elevator which I used daily so taking a selfie came naturally.

How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?

I dress very much how I feel. I think I have a very classy, easy look. I pay a lot attention to good fabrics. I am not a fan of much color and I do love jewelry very much. Everything happens very instinctively.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

I have so many big and small artists or personalities I admire for so many different reasons - if it is a personal vision, advice, style, attitude... and of course there are some artist I always come back to, to search for more. To me inspiration is everywhere. I think sometimes it is more important to have the ambition to be inspired.

 

I can give you one quote from Cary Grant who meant a lot to me at the time I found it as it is still one key advice to success (whatever success means to you):

 

‘I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me.’

Which art trends inspire your current work?

I don’t like the imagination that protecting the earth became a trend as this should be a normal, everyday thing for any of us. But I am currently working on a garden project that came instinctively but feels so right into this time. It is all about understanding Mother Nature in a better, more intense way.  

Tell us about your favourite wardrobe item?

It was a vintage Prada belt, but I recently purchased this stunning silver flower brooch from a market in Paris and now it's taken the title. i am officaly a brooch person.

Where is your favourite place in the world and why?

Palm Beach NSW. Where I grew up! I didn't realise until I swapped my life for the big city how lucky we are back home. It has a very special place in my heart! Nothing beats it!

Where do you find inspiration?

Nature, it calms and recenters me, I think that's where I dig for gold.

Who are your style icons?

I have always found this question quite hard, because I wouldn't say I have a specific icon, I think I see inspiration in all kinds of women in everyday life. But if I did have to choose I would probably say Mary Kate and Ashely Olsen - the Row is such a beautiful brand and I love all they embody.

How has your artistic style changed over time?

I think it is the perspective towards life, coming from all of your experiences good or bad, which shape your view on art, fashion… life in general, and at least on yourself, constantly new. And as our ambition should be to evolve every day, change came and will keep coming in everything I do, feel and in general existence. I grew up with with my job. And I am still growing up and I am at a point in my life where I want to feel more mature and I think you can see this in the whole progress I show in my work.

Describe your dream project?

I just bought a house in Tuscany so this is and always was one of my dream projects, and surely will be one for lifetime.

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