An interview with vintage go to girl and Most Ardently owner, Elle Gilbert.

Mudgee's vintage haven.

You might be a wannabe bohemian, wanderlust gypsy who just woke up in Byron to the smell of what at first could be confused as bat shit or a city chick who froths over high-end labels and 'secret' warehouse sales. However, vintage is versatile and can suit any style.  A well tailored, crafted piece can last you decades and be incorporated into any tragic trend which may hit your nearest Valleygirl.  Vintage has us searching op shops far and wide for items with quality structure and fabric.  Whether it has a strong odour of your grandma's armpits or suspicious staining in the crotch is not necessary.



One such vintage lover resides right here in Mudgee, who sources vintage from all over Aus to bring right here to Mudgee for her store 'Most Ardently'.  Elle Gilbert, a local girl, who is a Registered Nurse by day, swooped in on the opportunity to supply Mudgee with all the vintage, grunge and sequins it could possibly require. 





Where does the name “Most Ardently” come from?

I have the alluring Mr Darcy from 'The Pride and the Prejudice' to thank for that. I love how endearing it sounds. 

How did you become inspired to open a store?

I didn't so much as search for the idea of 'Most Ardently', it came to me more as convenience. In my 3rd year of University, I was flipping lounge pillows and scrounging under car seats to add to my savings of around $23 per week. So, as I realised it was rather difficult to make an outfit out of 2 minute noodles, I decided to take my pennies to second hand stores. I would conjure an idea of an outfit in my head, and then try and find items that closely matched that style. I soon discovered the gems people were doing away with. I saw the potential. I fell in love with the idea of giving unwanted clothing a second chance at life.

Describe a Most Ardently customer.

Someone looking to ‘step away from the heard’. 

Are you a born and bred Mudgee local, or from elsewhere?

Born and raised. I have endeavored to leave 7 times. Mudgee has a way of digging its claws in. The fact that it provides an abundance of wine is a clincher also. 

What’s your favourite vintage piece in your wardrobe?

I have a 1950's sequin top made out of Angora rabbit hair (they are shaved and not harmed

Elle, Paris.

at all) and silk. I spotted it whilst strolling through some vintage markets with my Ma. It doesn't suit me and looks terrible on, but I love to see it glisten in my cupboard every time I open the doors. 

I love 70’s fashion.  Is there an era which inspires you most?

I love the 70's also. I feel it was an era where fashion was able to take a breath and relax after the swinging 60’s. Style was anything you wanted it to be. 

What are your favorite Australian brands / designers?

I would love to be able to say something really hip that makes me sound like I should be throwing back Patròn-on-Ice with the cool kids.... But I don't know anything about labels, or brands, or designers, or fashion. 

What is something you can’t live without?

CATS!!!!!!!!

Favorite 80’s movie?

Good Morning Vietnam

Current album on repeat?

A is for Alpine.  I've re-discovered how much I love it.

What celebrity would you love to see decked out in Most Ardently?

Lizzy from Ms Mr, she is amazing.

Where do you source most of your stock for Most Ardently?

Some days it feels like I have to sell my left kidney to find some one-off pieces. And other days, I come across a gold mine. I travel around battling with Nana’s to get a bargain in Op-Shops. I also travel to Byron Bay and hit up Splendor in the Grass every year so I usually come back with new ideas and a whole heap of goodie.

Clothes, that is. 

What are your favorite staples in your wardrobe?

Oversized shirts and anything of Owen’s (my partner).

What is currently in your handbag?

Mimco wallet, screw driver, green-tea bags, deodorant, iPad, a cat collar, ear-phones, book (Keith Richards bibliography), my parents mail and about 46 thousand hair ties. 

QUICKIES

Winter or Summer? Summer until I get over the heat, then Winter until I get over the cold. 

Tea or Coffee? Coffee

Country or Surf? Surf 

Club or Pub? Pub

Heels or flats? I'm 5'10 .... Flats!

Finally, whereabouts can we find your store?

-On Facebook - Search for 'Most Ardently'
-On Instagram @most_ardently_mudgee
-At the Mudgee Lawson Park Markets (2nd Saturday of the month)

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