Q&A with Gayle Rinkoff

To celebrate Women’s History Month we’re sitting down with a few inspiring Women in Business to find out more about their ventures and what makes them tick. This week we’re talking to fashion stylist Gayle Rinkoff.

Tell us about yourself?

I’m Gayle! Over the past 25 years I’ve been working in the fashion industry from being the Fashion Director on Harrods Magazine to Style Director on The Voice UK! I started my career on the fashion pages of the Daily Mail and went on to spend 10 years working across various magazines from Scene (a super cool independent title), Shine (a commercial fashion and beauty title), Tatler and finishing on Harrods magazine as a Fashion Director before leaving to have my twin girls.

I continued my career as a freelance stylist once I went back to work and have had the privilege of working with some amazing photographers and clients. Most notably shooting Helen Mirren and Jason Bell for 7 different publications (all in one day!).

What’s your biggest personal achievement?

My biggest achievement personally has to be my 3 daughters. In this unbelievably fractious world we live in, I do everything I can to protect them but also allow them to have their own voice. I want them to grow up to be super cool, independent, strong women. If they are happy, then I’m happy. Someone once said to me ‘you are only as happy as your unhappiest child’ and it’s so true.

What’s your biggest professional achievement?

Professionally my biggest achievement has to be that 25 years on, I am still working, loving what I do and am given the respect that comes with years of hard work and integrity.

Who are the women in your life that have inspired you?

I was rather inspired by my grandmother who was the matriarch of our family. She wasn’t the softest chocolate in the box but she was a strong woman who took no prisoners. I loved her sense of authority and the respect that everyone seemed to have for her.

I have also been inspired by the woman that gave me my very first job at the Daily Mail. She has since been an incredible friend and we have shared many up’s and downs together over the last 25 years but she has a resilience like no other and I love being around her.

What is the best piece of advice you can give?

Unfortunately, the best piece of advice I received came a little late but I have already passed it on to my daughters. ‘Don’t Marry an A******’. I read it in Caitlin Moran’s book but the good news is I now have a fabulous husband so I took this advice the second time around.

Oh and don’t sweat the small stuff, seriously it’s never worth the aggravation.

What’s the secret to a work/life balance?

My secret to a work/personal life balance is time management. I don’t always practice what I preach and sometimes I need to be put in check but if I make sure I have time for my kids and husband things seem to stay on an even keel. And to step away from my phone, turn it off, be present.

Favourite styling tip?

My favourite styling tip is the elastic bands on a suit jacket to keep the sleeves ruched up. I use it on shoots and celebrities all the time! I posted the hack on my IGTV which proved very popular.

Check it out here.

What do you think is going to be the BIG post lockdown trend?

Once we’re fully out of lockdown I really think there will be no stopping us when it comes to dressing up! Even local dinners will involve heels, fabulous frocks and amazing accessories. I know I will be going all out whatever the occasion, even if it’s a low key coffee with a friend.

Discover Gayle’s Orelia edit here.

Follow Gayle on Instagram: @GayleRinkoff