For fashion icon Kelly Gray, it's in the blood.

She's instantly recognizable as the former face of St John, having earned considerable respect as a model and mogul - also running the brand.

Her parents, who founded St John, more than inspired her to take up not only design and fashion, but the business side of the biz.

I had no choice in the matter, she says, only half joking. Her parents had her answering the company phone at age 12. They informed her that summer vacation was going to be a sore disappointment in the real world, so they put her to work! I think that's illegal now, she adds with a hearty laugh over the phone.

Her voice is at once calm and matter of fact, she's down to business but overwhelmingly personal. In fact she requested the call in order to make a more formal one-on-one connection, reflecting the down to earth work ethic instilled since girlhood.

After already accomplishing more than most designers could hope for, Kelly rebooted and started anew she still consults with St John after selling the brand. Kelly's new line is a marriage of fashion and rock with Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. Meeting Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee, she says with a hint of awe, was a life changing experience. Now, I'm releasing my inner rocker.

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