CALEXICO MUSE: GAIL

Some women wear beautiful clothes. Others have a way of making the clothes look beautiful. Gail (OAM) is firmly the latter. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this March, Calexico is honouring women all month long. It is a celebration of the stories, chapters and quiet strength that shape who they become. Our Muse this month is a woman who embodies all of it. Grace, warmth and a life lived fully. 

We spent an afternoon with Gail (OAM) at her charming Bardon home, welcomed by the unmistakable presence of her very confident Frenchie who, by all accounts, runs the household. A long-time friend of Nicky’s, Gail (OAM) has the kind of effortless warmth that instantly makes you feel as though you have known her forever. 

Gail wears the...

Avant Toi Laminated Polo Neck Pullover in Dusty Blue

L'Agence Selma High Rise Sleek Baby Boot Jean in Blanc

Mother to four boys and newly promoted to grandmother, a title she wears far too well for someone who looks this fabulous, Gail (OAM) also happens to be an Olympic Gold Medallist in water polo. Her life reveals itself in delightful layers. 

One of our favourite discoveries from our afternoon together was learning that Gail (OAM) was part of the Australian women’s water polo team that won Olympic gold at the Sydney 2000 Games, the very first year women’s water polo was recognised as an Olympic sport. It is an extraordinary achievement that she mentions with remarkable understatement. Somehow, it feels fitting for someone who has always been just a little ahead of the curve. 

Now working on special projects with Ray White Collective, Gail (OAM) continues to bring her signature energy, style and heart to everything she touches. 

We sat down with her to talk about life, motherhood, personal style and the many chapters that shape a woman. 

You’ve recently become a grandmother (and we’re still trying to figure out how that’s possible). What has been the most beautiful part of stepping into this new chapter? 

There is a special kind of magic in holding your grandchild for the first time. Holding Jimmy was a moment when love came full circle. Seeing your own child become a parent and holding this beautiful little blessing brings a whole new level of love, joy and pride. 

You’re a mother to four boys, which must feel like its own Olympic sport. What is the most unexpected thing raising four sons has taught you about life? 

Raising four boys has easily been the hardest, most challenging yet most rewarding and joyful part of my life. Life has been filled with noise, chaos and a love and pride so deep it changes you forever. It has been an incredible journey that has demanded patience and strength, yet it has given me the most treasured memories of my life. 

We have to talk about it. Olympic water polo. What is one moment from that experience that still makes you smile today? 

Water polo was such an important part of my youth. Travelling the world and competing alongside my teammates was a truly wonderful way to spend those early years. There were so many fun times together that ultimately culminated in the most incredible win. 

Gail wears the...

Citizens of Humanity Caralyn Tank in Pashmina

Citizens of Humanity Adria Jean in Stockholm Snowdrift

Your style feels incredibly effortless. The kind that looks completely natural but always perfectly put together. Do you have a personal rule when getting dressed? 

I feel like my style is still evolving and very much in line with my own personal growth. I like to feel comfortable and confident for whatever the occasion may be. I would say comfort, simplicity and authenticity are the main rules when I am getting dressed. 

You have moved through so many different chapters including athlete, mother and businesswoman. Which chapter surprised you the most? 

Life itself has surprised me the most. The journey to date has been one I could never have imagined as a young girl. In saying that, there is very little I would change. I believe every chapter, even the challenging ones, has taught me the value of self-worth. They have guided me to evolve, pushed me to grow and helped me discover strength I did not know I had. For that, I am very grateful. 

Is there a clothing piece or accessory you reach for when you want to give your look that extra boost of confidence? 

Blazers. I love blazers. They elevate everything, from dresses to shorts to jeans. 

When life slows down for a moment, what does your perfect slow Sunday look like? 

A perfect Sunday for me is waking naturally with no alarm and nowhere to be. A slow morning coffee followed by time with my loved ones and a family dinner together. If there is time for an afternoon nap, then that is pretty much the perfect Sunday. 

Gail wears the...

Blaze Milano Renegade Charmer Blazer in Sand

Cami NYC Everly Cami in White

L'Agence Selma High Rise Sleek Baby Boot Jean in Blanc

As you look to the year ahead, what’s something you’re most looking forward to? 

This year is about growth, both personally and within my business. My focus and intent around the goals and outcomes I want for both parts of my life are very clear, which is incredibly exciting and highly motivating. 

You are now working with Ray White Collective on special projects. What excites you most about this new venture? 

My collaboration with Ray White Collective Projects is an exciting venture that is already proving to be both successful and highly rewarding. We are delivering some truly exciting projects that will become iconic developments for Brisbane. 

Lastly, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? 

The main advice I would give my younger self is a life mantra I read not that long ago that resonated deeply with me: “Choose love over fear, courage over comfort and authenticity over approval.”