Ms Elliot (27) and her business partner, fashion and jewellery designer Jane Sutherland, opened Kingston's first high fashion and couture boutique, Mr So and So, last year.
Ms Elliot is originally from Invercargill but left home at 17 to pursue a modelling career in London.
She now has her own label, Lady Knuckles.
She describes her style as "clothing concoctions".
"I try not to be in any category.
"I don't like to look the same as any other person, and not the same the second time you see me."
She said her style had changed over time as her life experience and attitude towards self image evolved.
From an early age she became a devout follower of labels Cheryl Vullerman, Zambesi and Nom. D.
"I guess now the variety has broadened.
"I tend to have my favourite labels, and then there are the international brands which have taken my heart over the years of living abroad," she said.
Ms Elliot never follows trends.
"I like to take things out of context and make them look like something else.
"I can't bear to copy a look head to toe, it's a cringe-worthy steer-clear for me.
"If you ask me what the trend is for the season, I will happily tell you there isn't one in my eyes."
"One day, someone will copy you - that's when you move on.
"I like to put things together in complete contrast and bully the pretty out of things."
She describes her wardrobe as "a history of my life".
Her wardrobe from the early 90's to today has comprised of: Zambesi, Nom. D, Cheryl Vullerman, Marilyn Sainty, Helmut Lang, Martin Margiela, Costume National, Dirk Bikkembergs,Yoji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Alexander McQueen, Rick Owens, Lonely Hearts, Miss Crabb, A La Robe, Jane Sutherland, Lady Knuckles and a bit of vintage.
Her style icon is Vivienne Westwood.
"I want to be a mad old lady like her."
She also admires Marilyn Manson.
"He has an amazing imagination, which is well reflected by his image.
"I think anyone who is strong enough to have people judge them for looking like a weirdo and writing songs about the harsh reality of what happens in the world deserves some respect," she said.
Her favourite designers are Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh, Rodarte, Balenciaga and Sandra Buckland.
Her favourite items in her wardrobe are an Alexander McQueen safety pin dress, Issey Miyake shoe trousers and a Nom.
D RED collection recycled vintage fur coat which is one of a kind.
Her Zambesi full-length leather dress has sentimental value, as she wore it in the New Zealand fashion week show.
The last item of clothing she bought was a Jane Sutherland tie-dyed T-shirt dress.
A pair of vintage cowboy/motorbike boots which she found at Snoopers Paradise in Brighton England was her best fashion bargain at £30.
If money was not an option she would buy thigh-high leather Rick Owens boots.
Her fashion tip is to find inspiration, individuality and experiment.
"Don't follow what everyone else is doing, try something different.
"Fashion can be whatever you decide, not what everyone else decided."
