Elliott began to model when she was 17 years old, at the suggestion of her ballet teacher.[2] She moved to Tokyo, Japan, where she worked as a model for two years, after which she moved to New York City.[2][4] Over the years, Elliott modeled for some of the world's major fashion brands such as Versace, Valentino, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Tom Ford, and Donna Karan.[2][4] Elliott worked with photographers such as Steven Meisel and Mario Testino.[2] Her modeling career spanned a period of 24 years.[4]
Elliott ventured into fashion design, starting a clothing label with her husband Joe Coffey in 2002, which was named Little Joe Woman.[2][5][6] The label was started in New York and was subsequently based out of Sydney, Australia.[2][7][8] The company's headquarters was later transferred to Bali, Indonesia.[7] Elliott's husband is the brand's CEO while Elliott is its creative director.[4] The brand, which has been described as "a rock-chic, luxe-resort fashion line",[7] originally offered slip dresses and camisoles.[2][4]