The Ambassador

Elizabeth Charles, 35. Co-owner of Elizabeth Charles boutique in Pacific Heights.

In the barely six months since she set up shop on Fillmore Street, Elizabeth Charles has already drawn Tinseltown shoppers Kate Hudson and Charlize Theron to her namesake boutique. The native of Melbourne, Australia, opened her first store with husband and business partner Tony almost five years ago in Manhattan’s meatpacking district, where regulars include red-carpet stylists and their clients—think Naomi Watts, Lindsay Lohan and J-Lo. 

What’s the draw? Twice a year, Charles heads to Australia’s and New Zealand’s respective fashion weeks, bringing back gorgeous women’s wear by such hot Aussie and Kiwi designers as Zambesi, Akira Isogawa and Collette Dinnigan—most of which can’t be found anywhere else in the US. Her eye for Aussie style has proven to be a hit. “Women in Australia tend to be more eccentric and take more risks by pairing quirky things,” she says. “They’re [also] likelier to dress just for dinner.” 

With so much of her clientele in L.A., why did she opt for SF (she and Tony live in Pac Heights with their two-year-old, Lucie) when she decided to go bicoastal? The climate was one reason. “San Francisco is like Melbourne, which suits the weight of the clothing.” Plus, she adds, “It’s the chicest city on the West Coast. San Franciscans have a classic yet individual style and aren’t driven by trends.”

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Q&A

Tell us about any funny celeb encounters at your shop.
I was at Australian Fashion Week when Kate Hudson came to our SF store. My husband, Tony, took 20 minutes to figure out who she was, despite her comments that she “just came back from Australia,” “was filming a movie there” and “I have a little boy.” Kate was very familiar with the labels and tried on 20-plus things. The store was soon flooded with Kate watchers, including an old man with a glass eye and cane who was making a beeline to her changing room—and whom Tony intercepted. To add to the confusion, and because the store had not officially opened yet, the back changing room doors did not have door handles and did not close properly and the only mirror was out in the middle of the store. So one of our staff had to guard the door and Kate had to continually walk out to the middle of the store to check her appearance amid all the avid onlookers.

Favorite new designers from Down Under?
Martin Grant (martingrantparis.com) is Australian but lives in Paris and is my current favorite. He’s elegant and classic with a personality, and makes me feel absolutely fabulous! I also love Scanlan & Theodore (scanlantheodore.com.au), who do amazing stuff, kind of like the Australian equivalent of Chloé. Lee Mathews (leemathews.com.au) has an aesthetic that is perfect for San Francisco. She has a dress that’s quite simple, a mocha and lime green color that reminds me of Marni. And Akira (akira.com.au) does really interesting and creative pieces, like a beautiful purple dress that has a ruched, puckered neckline.

What would you change about SF?
Its proximity to Europe.

Who’s would you choose for Hot 20 Under 40?
Chris Webb of eLuxury.com. He’s too good to be true! He’s a true connector, strategist and nice guy.

Where do Aussies hang out in SF?
It will be South Food and Wine Bar, opening in October.

Best place to buy Australian wines in SF?
BevMo—not glamorous, but the best!

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