Favourite Things: Elle + Riley

By Grace Phillips
Viva
Elle Pugh and Yolande Ellis. Picture / Amy Todd

Yolande Ellis and Elle Pugh are the dynamic mother-daughter duo who together founded local cashmere clothing business Elle + Riley. The characteristics of cashmere seem to reflect their business, with its emphasis on warmth and softness and, above all else, luxury.

Yolande was inspired to start a business selling cashmere products while on a trip to Nepal, where there was an abundance. The trip proved to be a learning experience about how the fabric is made and where it comes from, and she wondered how to make it more accessible back home in New Zealand.

The brand began with bringing scarves, blankets and ponchos home for family and friends, and has since expanded into the luxury clothing business encompassing casual wear and accessories — and working with daughter Elle.

Both come from backgrounds in the fashion industry, so they combined talents to launch their own online business and a winter pop-up store on Ponsonby Rd. Their dream workspace would be minimalistic and functional with luxurious textures to reflect their brand. Their personal styles are reflected in their homes; picture relaxed luxury, and a neutral palette with artwork that gives their spaces a pop of colour.

FAVOURITE THINGS

1. Silk eye mask
Both: After working in New York a few years ago I [Elle] brought these home and gave one to Mum as a gift. We've both been obsessed with them ever since. We take them everywhere so that we're always guaranteed a good night's sleep.

2. Vintage Chanel print
Yolande: Elle bought this for me about seven years ago from an old man at a street market in Nice, France. It's the most beautiful image from a 90s Chanel campaign, I love it.

3. Jessica McCormack key necklace
Elle: Mum gave this to me for my 21st birthday. It is such a beautiful spin on a traditional gift which makes it so special, it's the only piece of jewellery I wear.

Driftwood coffee table. Picture / Amy Todd
Driftwood coffee table. Picture / Amy Todd

4. Driftwood coffee table
Yolande: This is one of my most recent purchases after having my eye on it forever. It fits so perfectly in our home and reflects the beach lifestyle that we love, while also maintaining a modern feel.

Clooney the dog. Picture / Amy Todd
Clooney the dog. Picture / Amy Todd

5. Clooney the dog
Elle: He's not exactly an object but I had to feature him. He's the cutest thing in the world and all he ever wants is a walk and cuddles, he also inspires all the shades of grey in our collections.

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