Life in the shoes of a local style Queen

Ugandan born Australian fashion stylist, Elizabeth McMahon, is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, stylist and event host.

Elizabeth (aka EM) moved to Paris in 2008 – the undisputed home of haute couture – to learn more about the coveted fashion and modelling industry.

In Paris, she spent time with designers and photographers, worked at fashion events and modelled for exclusive catwalk shows and photographic shoots.

Once finally landing back on home soil in Australia, EM was keen to expand her horizons within the fashion industry and became a stylist for Westfield Carindale in Brisbane. This experience provided the perfect launching pad for her own styling business which she has worked tirelessly on for over 6 years.

“My mission is to make the most out of my client’s individual appearance and improve their look based on the image they would like to project” says EM.

“It is the reward and satisfaction of seeing people’s confidence shine and how they feel after one of my sessions that is the most meaningful to me.”

We sit down with EM to see what makes this style queen tick:

KF: Three words that best describe you: 
EM: Driven, stylish and loyal

KF: Wardrobe favourite:
EM: My wardrobe favourite right now is an elegant lace dress from @mrselfportrait. I wore it for my birthday dinner recently… Lace and silk are my weakness!

KF: Three fashion items we can’t live without this Spring/Summer?
EM: To be on point this Spring Summer, accessorise your outfit with tassels or pom poms – it may be your earrings, a bag or shoes. Green and reds are in vogue as are outfits with killer sleeves (bell sleeves, ruffles, bishop sleeves, flounce sleeves or extra-long sleeves)!

KF: Go-to healthy snack: 
EM: Green apple – I always have my fruit basket sitting on the kitchen bench packed with fruits for a healthy snack on the go.

KF: Workout routine:
EM: Running or game of tennis

KF: Favourite dinner: 
EM: I love Japanese food, especially sashimi and sushi.

KF: What your ideal first date?
EM: I love fast cars, helicopters or a game of good tennis that makes me laugh and run a lot… followed by a classic romantic dinner.

KF: Skincare smarts:
EM: I change my skincare pretty regularly – especially when the season changes I find my skin needs something slightly different. At the moment I’m using Neutrogena Natural and SK-II for my face. For my body, I use coconut oil or raw sheer butter right after showering at night. 

My mum always said moisturise your whole body in the morning after a shower and at night after a shower. Drink lots of water and never go to bed with makeup on.

KF: Your Gold Coast hot spots:
EM: Yamagen Bar and Restaurant and Glass at Marina Mirage.

KF: Tipple of choice
EM: I love a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne!

KF: Who do you love following on Instagram and why:
EM: I follow other stylists, fashion bloggers and people who inspire me to do better in life – to live life to the fullest.

I love following @gabunion – she is a designer, actress, writer and a mother. She inspires me every day!

KF: What’s on your life wish list:
EM: To have my very own styling TV show!

words by kobi facto