I think we always look better wearing what we feel comfortable and confident in than when we try to conform to what is expected of us or what everyone else is wearing. Somehow our interior beauty shines through when we are authentic and not trying to be something else…”
Eleanor Cardozo, Artist
Eleanor Cardozo, known to her friends as Ellie Fryer, is an internationally renowned sculptor and portrait artist who has been residing with her husband in Geneva, Switzerland, for the past 30 years. Eleanor is the mother of three adult children, all of whom live in the United States. In this discussion, we explore Eleanor’s favourite styles, her sources of inspiration, and her travel recommendations…
C&B: “Eleanor, firstly – congratulations for appearing on the CITY & BEACH INTERNATIONAL BEST DRESSED LIST 2025! You are always beautifully put together; how do you define your personal style, and how has it evolved over the years?”
EC: “Thank you! I don’t think I am fashionable at all, as I never follow what is in trend or out, I just wear what I like, which is usually jeans and a leather jacket, suede boots and a lot of white. My style hasn’t evolved much over the years! I’m still wearing the same River Island jeans I wore in my 20s and my cupboards are still full of classic white shirts, white dresses, white jeans and white scarves…”
Ralph Lauren is one of my favourite designers; I always marvel at the high quality stitching which holds not just for years but for decades…”
Eleanor Cardozo, Artist
C&B: “Your style is what we’d describe as ‘timeless’; in addition to Ralph Lauren, which fashion designers are your favourites, past and/or present?”
EC: “Pucci; I love their imaginative designs and the cut of their jumpsuits. I have a dress I designed with the late Alessandro Pucci 35 years ago which I still wear to every summer party; it never went into production, so I know I’ll be the only one wearing it! Wael Jabbour Couture – he’s a young Lebanese designer who created the most stunning dresses for me while I was his muse. What an honour and he literally made every dress like a second skin on me. Watch out Elie Saab!”
EC: “These designers are incredible – when it comes to individuals on the world stage, who would you say most influences your personal style?”
EC: “I love how Elle Macpherson dresses. It’s what I call ‘effortless chic’, even though probably a lot of thought goes into looking so stunning all the time. It’s partly to do with her height, her hair and of course THAT body, but she really knows how to wear anything and make it look fabulous!” I also love the elegance of the Gatsby era, white or cream suits with a waistcoat, floating chiffons, fine heels – I LOVE that look!”
A favourite piece in my wardrobe right now is a cream waistcoat which I had tailored to fit me; I have a lot of high-street brands tailored to fit and I change buttons etc, it makes them look like haute couture! I wear it with a cream shirt or jersey, or t-shirt and jeans, or cream evening pants…”
Eleanor Cardozo, Artist
C&B: “Yes, classically elegant but also relaxed! When you think back over the years, which outfit has been your favourite?”
EC: “My jeans. I am happiest in my jeans and I still have pairs I wore before I was married 36 years ago. When I had my portrait painted by Nick Bashall in 2000, I arrived with my long white evening dress and necklace and he told me to change back into my jeans and he painted me like that, barefoot. He said it was more ‘me’ and he was right!”
C&B: “Yes, Nick Bashall specialises in capturing the true likeness and personality of his subjects. Have you attended any events recently that required you to put your jeans aside and wear something extra-special?”
EC: “Not long ago I visited Los Angeles where I attended a few gala evenings so I took my favourite red dress from Wael Jabbour Couture and my black Pucci jumpsuit which I’ve worn about 50 times, plus a flowing golden creation by Caline at Hummingbird.”
I never leave home without my diamond Bedat watch and my little diamond cross necklace with matching diamond earrings by Benoit De Gorski. I wear those three pieces of Jewellery, and I consider my Bedat watch a piece of jewellery because it’s so glamorous and has over 90 diamonds on it, all the time and never travel without them…”
Eleanor Cardozo, Artist
C&B: “On the subject of travel, can you share any tips for maintaining a stylish yet comfortable look when moving from one country to the next?”
EC: “I always wear the same things when I travel long haul, like to Los Angeles or Asia: a white long sleeve T-shirt, white jeans, camel suede jacket and boots. I have my sweat pants, hoodie and thick socks in my carry-on and I immediately change into them once on board so that I can sleep comfortably; I only change back a few minutes before landing. Because I always take a white pashmina with me, this look works whether I’m arriving in winter or summer…”
C&B: “How do you approach sustainable fashion, and are there any eco-friendly brands you love?”
EC: “I have a lot of dresses and camisole tops from Reformation which uses only recycled material and packages their orders in brown paper bags. I love their feminine petite designs. I try to give away anything in my cupboard that I haven’t worn for over 5 years, although sometimes I give clothes to my daughter and when I see how fantastic they look on her, I want them back!”
In my handbag I carry a Sisley lipstick by Patrick Foley called ‘Beverly Hills’ (above); it’s the perfect beige both in colour and texture. I think it won an award and it looks particularly good with tanned skin. But mostly I have graphite pencils and a calligraphy pen in my handbag incase I want to draw or write something…”
Eleanor Cardozo, Artist
C&B: “It’s currently the height of summer and everyone is out and about, travelling and enjoying the incredible weather – do you have any favourite restaurants and/or destinations you’d like to recommend?”
EC: “My favourite places include ‘Scotts’ in London for lunch or dinner; the terrace of the St Pietro in Positano for cocktails and the best blinis; ‘Ulus 29’ in Istanbul for sexy dining and dancing; ‘Conca Del Sogno’ on the Amalfi Coast which can be reached only by boat; the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok for the unparalleled service and elegance…”
CONTACT: http://www.eleanorcardozo.com
