In My StylewithGayle Williamson

Gayle Williamson was just 22 years old when her life changed forever.
Gayle (right)  wearing a green Una Rodden dressGayle (right)  wearing a green Una Rodden dress
Gayle (right) wearing a green Una Rodden dress

At that time she was working in a fashion shop and living at home with her mum in Lurgan. However that all changed dramatically when she was crowned Miss Northern Ireland.

She went on to be crowned Miss UK the following year, competing in the Miss World contest in Nigeria and the Miss International in Japan, living in a world of glamour and celebrities .

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Now Gayle leads a much less hectic life in Crawfordsburn with her talented 14 year old son Brandon and their two dogs.

Gayle with her son BrandonGayle with her son Brandon
Gayle with her son Brandon

Tell us a little about yourself Gayle?

After I left school I worked in the retail fashion industry before entering Miss NI in 2002.

I started working for ACA Models after winning the contest on my 22nd birthday. I had the opportunity to compete in Miss World in December of that year.

It was one of the most amazing experiences of a lifetime.

Gayle (right) with former Miss Northern Ireland's Judith Grey, Meagan Green and Mary McCartney.Gayle (right) with former Miss Northern Ireland's Judith Grey, Meagan Green and Mary McCartney.
Gayle (right) with former Miss Northern Ireland's Judith Grey, Meagan Green and Mary McCartney.

I was given some beautiful dresses and outfits and I learnt so much from the other contestants.

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The contest was to be held in Nigeria but after we had been there for two weeks riots broke out and we all had to be brought back to London.

The contest went ahead in Alexandra Palace and I won the title of Miss UK from it.

I worked mostly fulltime for ACA for the next four years until Brandon was born in 2006.

Gayle and her fiancé Richard BellGayle and her fiancé Richard Bell
Gayle and her fiancé Richard Bell

When my son was younger I mainly concentrated on being a Mum, although I did still do occasional work for ACA Models.

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I have been working in the Bradley Art gallery for the last five years which I really enjoyed as art was my favourite subject at school.

I am currently starting a new business venture with my fiancé, Richard.

It’s going to be a high end doggy day care centre called Whinneys. It is set on a 14 acre site on Whinney Hill so there is plenty of space for the dogs to enjoy.

GayleGayle
Gayle

It should be open within the next few months and we are really excited about it.

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I am extremely proud of Brandon who is already a very accomplished musician, having achieved distinctions in both his guitar and piano grade exams.

He is also following in my footsteps as he models for ACA.

We have a 4-year old cocker spaniel called Ben who is very well behaved and a 10 week old English bulldog pup called Frank which is a bit like having a new baby in the house!

I have been engaged to Richard for almost three years and we hope to marry soon.

He also has two dogs, Bramble and Merlin so we already spend a lot of time with dogs and that is what gave us the idea to start up our own business looking after others during the day.

Gayle (right) with former Miss Northern Ireland's Judith Grey, Meagan Green and Mary McCartney.Gayle (right) with former Miss Northern Ireland's Judith Grey, Meagan Green and Mary McCartney.
Gayle (right) with former Miss Northern Ireland's Judith Grey, Meagan Green and Mary McCartney.

How would you describe your personal style?

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My personal style preference is wearing a dress. I very rarely ever wear trousers with the exception of gym gear and a very nice black catsuit I own. As for the style of dress, if I like something I buy it.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I generally don’t go looking for inspiration. However, I do love helping out at Miss NI finals and seeing all the glitz and glamour.

What is the best syle advice you have been given?

Before I went to Miss World, Alison Clarke told me to never be seen in jeans. I can honestly say I haven’t worn them since.

What is your favourite fashion trend?

At the minute I have been filling my wardrobe with running gear and I have taken up running during the lockdown and really enjoying it. There are some lovely items available online.

What is the oldest item in your wardrobe?

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It is my snakeskin Jimmy Choo handbag which Brandon’s auntie bought for me when he was born so it’s very special to me.

And the most recent?

My Mum bought me a summer dress in leopard print last week. I’ve always loved animal print.

Do you keep things you have never worn?

I have a few things from years ago which I really don’t want to part with for sentimental reasons but if I know I will never wear other items again they go to the charity shop.

What was your worst fashion mistake?

One year at a Miss NI final I wore a black dress and didn’t realise it was two sizes too big. On the night it kept falling open at the front. Not a good look!!

What is the most expensive item you have bought?

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My red D&G dress was probably the most expensive although I did get a lot of wear out of it.

What is your favourite item of clothing?

I have a beautiful black catsuit which has an extra skirt attached to the back of it – it’s really unusual. Rosie chose if for me from Pure boutique in Letterkenny and I was wearing to the night I met Richard.

What are your favourite colours for clothes?

I am totally bad when it comes to colours as I mostly live in black.

A black dress can never let you down (as long as it is in the correct size!!). I recently purchased a lovely green dress from ASOS and really enjoyed the little bit of colour in my life!

What shoes do you wear most often?

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At the minute I am mostly wearing flats – I have recently bought a few different pairs of sparkly flip flops. However, in winter, it is normally tights and boots.

What are your fashion pet hates?

My answer to this is probably due to the fact that I am getting older.

I don’t get the young trend of wearing trousers which are too short – especially when Brandon wears them!

Who are your style heroes?

I don’t have a particular style hero as such but I do really admire Holly Willoughby’s style and clothing range.

What fragrance do you wear?

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I love Clinique Aromatics and Coco Mademoiselle. They are totally different and I alternate them on different occasions.

What accessories do you normally wear?

I love accessories, especially with a black dress. A nice handbag and jewellery are very important.

Can you be fashionable without spending a lot of money?

Absolutely! Some of my favourite items in my wardrobe are the least expensive. It’s always great to find a bargain when shopping.

What are your favourite local shops?

Lulu Blu is a lovely boutique in Holywood. They recently provided some lovely clothes for a fashion show in Holywood Parish church.

They have fab colours, shapes and styles at reasonable prices. Also, I would visit Moi boutique in Bangor High Street. They have some really unique pieces.

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