Ashley Avignone Biography: Age, Career, Personal Life, and Taylor Swift’s Close Friend

From a four-year-old sketching clothes after shopping trips with her grandmother to becoming one of taylor swift’s closest confidantes and a successful celebrity stylist in her own right, Ashley Avignone has built a career at the intersection of fashion and fame. The Arizona-raised designer, who received a hidden shoutout in Swift’s “22” album liner notes and chugged beers alongside the pop superstar at Super Bowl LVIII, represents a new breed of behind-the-scenes tastemaker whose influence extends far beyond the red carpets she once dressed.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Birth & Upbringing
Born on December 27, 1984, in Los Angeles, California, Ashley Avignone spent her early years in California before her family relocated to Arizona, where she would spend her formative years. The Avignone family has Italian roots—her surname suggests Southern Italian heritage, and she has referenced her “Nonna” (Italian for grandmother) as a formative influence on her fashion sensibilities.

The Fashion Spark
Ashley’s love affair with fashion began extraordinarily early. At age four, following a shopping trip with her grandmother, she returned home and began sketching clothing designs. “I wanted to be a designer from a very young age, around age 4, I swear,” she recalled in a 2019 interview. “I came home from a day of shopping with my Nonna and started drawing clothes.”

Childhood Friendships
While growing up in Arizona, Ashley became childhood friends with emma stone, the future Academy Award-winning actress. This friendship, forged in the Arizona desert, would prove life-changing, eventually connecting Ashley to one of the world’s biggest pop stars.

Education at FIDM
After graduating high school in Arizona, Ashley returned to Los Angeles to attend the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), one of the country’s premier fashion schools. She majored in Fashion/Apparel Design and graduated in 2006. However, by the time she completed her degree, she felt “a little burnt out” on design and was drawn to the emerging field of celebrity styling.

Career Journey

Early Career: Assisting & The Rachel Zoe Project (2006–2012)

The Break into Styling
Just two weeks after graduating from FIDM in 2006, Ashley landed a position assisting one of Los Angeles’ top celebrity stylists. For six years, she learned the craft of red carpet styling, editorial shoots, and brand partnerships, working behind the scenes for some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

The Rachel Zoe Project (2010)
In 2010, Ashley gained public visibility when she joined Season 3 of Bravo’s The Rachel Zoe Project, the reality series following celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Ashley replaced Taylor Jacobson as Zoe’s style assistant, giving viewers a glimpse into the high-pressure world of celebrity dressing. Though the show was canceled in 2013, the exposure helped establish Ashley’s reputation in the industry.

Independent Styling Career (2012–Present)

The Wall Group & Going Solo
In 2012, Ashley scored what she called her “big break”—signing with The Wall Group, a prestigious talent agency representing top stylists, makeup artists, and hair stylists. This representation allowed her to venture out independently after years of assisting others.

“When I decided to break out on my own I was nervous,” she admitted in a 2013 interview. “I was extremely lucky in finding representation right away. You have to believe in yourself, but it also helps when others believe in you too.”

Career Evolution
Initially focused on red carpet celebrity dressing, Ashley’s career has evolved significantly. As of 2019, she shifted her focus away from traditional celebrity styling toward brand consulting and creative projects. “I don’t do so much celebrity dressing anymore, I now work more directly with brands on a range of creative and strategic projects,” she explained.

Avignone Studio
Ashley now runs her own company, Avignone Studio, operating as a stylist, designer, and brand consultant. Her work spans fashion, interior design, social media strategy, public relations, and event planning. She is represented by WME (william morris Endeavor), one of the top talent agencies in entertainment.

Notable Clients & Projects

Emma Stone
Ashley’s longest professional relationship has been with her childhood friend Emma Stone, whom she has styled for various events over the years.

Taylor Swift
While primarily a friend rather than a formal client, Ashley has undoubtedly influenced Swift’s style and has been present at countless fashion moments throughout their friendship.

Other Celebrity Connections
Through her Swift squad membership, Ashley has developed friendships with:

• Gigi Hadid (model)
• Blake Lively (actress)
• selena gomez (singer/actress)
• Martha Hunt (model)
• The Haim sisters (Este, Danielle, Alana)
• Antoni Porowski (Queer Eye)
• Justin Theroux (actor)
• Michelle Pfeiffer (actress)
• sabrina carpenter (singer)

Personal Life

Relationship Status
As of 2026, Ashley Avignone maintains strict privacy regarding her romantic life. No confirmed boyfriend, husband, or dating history has been made public. Unlike many in Swift’s circle who have high-profile relationships, Ashley has kept this aspect of her life completely out of the spotlight. Some fan speculation has occurred regarding her sexuality, but Ashley has not publicly addressed these rumors.

Family Background

Parents:

• Gerald “Jerry” Avignone (father): Born March 29, 1939, in Stamford, Connecticut; passed away July 26, 2011, at age 72 after a sudden illness. Jerry worked as a painting contractor, for SAU #9 for 15 years, and at Lakeview Neurorehab in Effingham, New Hampshire for 12 years.
• Cindy (Lourie) Avignone (mother): Married Jerry in 1978; still living as of 2026

Siblings:

• Nicolas Avignone (brother): Born four years after Ashley; has a daughter named Cora

Grandparents:

• Arthur and Natalie Lourie (maternal grandparents)

Nieces/Nephews:

• Caleb Mason Snow (nephew, via Ashley’s brother and his wife)
• Cora (niece, daughter of Nicolas)

Friendship with Taylor Swift

How They Met (2008)
Ashley met Taylor Swift in 2008 through their mutual friend Emma Stone. The connection was immediate, and by 2019—when Ashley posted a birthday tribute to Taylor—their friendship had already spanned 11 years.

The “22” Connection
Ashley’s place in Swift lore was cemented with the release of Red in 2012. In the album booklet’s hidden message for the song “22,” Swift wrote: “Ashley, Dianna, Claire, Selena”—referring to Ashley Avignone, Dianna Agron, Claire Winter, and Selena Gomez. Ashley also appeared in the “22” music video, dancing with Swift and the other friends at a birthday celebration.

Super Bowl LVIII (2024)
Ashley achieved viral fame when she joined Swift at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on February 11, 2024. During a commercial break, the stadium jumbotron captured Swift and Ashley chugging their drinks to crowd cheers, creating an iconic moment of their friendship.

Recent Appearances (2024–2025)

• December 2024: Celebrated her birthday with Swift at Chez Margaux in NYC; Swift wore a $32,200 Cartier watch to the event
• January 2025: Had dinner with Swift and Swift’s parents (Scott and Andrea) at Nobu Downtown in NYC
• Various Chiefs games throughout 2023–2024 NFL season

The Swift Inner Circle
Ashley is a core member of Swift’s celebrated “squad,” appearing at:

• The Eras Tour (July 2023, Santa Clara)
• Swift’s 34th birthday party (December 2023)
• Fourth of July parties at Swift’s Rhode Island home
• Various Kansas City Chiefs games
• Gigi Hadid’s birthday celebrations

Controversies

Privacy vs. Public Interest
As a private citizen thrust into the spotlight through her famous friendship, Ashley has navigated the delicate balance between maintaining her personal privacy and satisfying public curiosity. She has successfully kept her romantic life, family matters, and personal struggles out of the tabloids—a rarity in Swift’s circle.

Social Media Boundaries
Unlike some celebrity friends who leverage their connections for social media clout, Ashley maintains a relatively modest Instagram presence (approximately 151,000 followers as of 2026) and rarely discusses her friendship with Swift in interviews, preferring to let their public appearances speak for themselves.

Physical Statistics

Quotes

On her career path:
“I always loved fashion. I wanted to be a designer from a very young age, around age 4, I swear. I came home from a day of shopping with my Nonna and started drawing clothes.”

On breaking out as a stylist:
“When I decided to break out on my own I was nervous. I was extremely lucky in finding representation right away. You have to believe in yourself, but it also helps when others believe in you too.”

On style evolution:
“I think everyone experiments the most with their own style during their 20’s. Now that I’m in my 30’s I’ve learned what works best on not only my body, but all body types. Also with age and experience comes confidence, which is the most important thing to have with any look.”

On Taylor Swift (2019 birthday post):
“30 years of life for you, 11 years of friendship for us. Thanks for being the bestest friend, listener, dance party-starter, story teller, haircut enthusiast, with the biggest, warmest, and most generous heart. Happy Birthday Tay!! Love you to pieces ❤️.”

Favorites

Salary & Net Worth

Estimated Net Worth: $1 Million – $2 Million

Income Sources:

• Styling Fees: $500–$2,000 per day for brand consulting; higher rates for red carpet events
• Brand Partnerships: Social media sponsored content (estimated $1,000–$5,000 per post given her follower count and engagement)
• Avignone Studio: Revenue from design consulting, interior projects, and creative direction
• The Wall Group/WME: Agency representation for styling and brand deals
• Television: The Rachel Zoe Project residuals and appearance fees

Lifestyle Indicators:

• Resides in New York City (high cost of living)
• Travels frequently for work and with Swift’s circle
• Wears designer pieces (Celine, Louis Vuitton, Chanel)
• Attends exclusive events and members-only clubs (Chez Margaux)

While not in the same financial stratosphere as Swift (net worth ~$1.1 billion) or other squad members like Blake Lively, Ashley has built a comfortable, upper-middle-class career in the competitive fashion industry.

Interesting Facts

1. The “22” Legacy: Ashley is the first name mentioned in the hidden message for Taylor Swift’s hit song “22,” immortalizing her in Swift’s discography.
2. Lucille Ball Dreams: As a child, Ashley wanted to be Lucille Ball from I Love Lucy before settling on fashion design.
3. Arizona Connection: Both Ashley and Emma Stone grew up in Arizona, creating a bond that would eventually connect Ashley to Hollywood’s A-list.
4. Super Bowl Viral Moment: The 2024 Super Bowl jumbotron shot of Ashley and Taylor chugging drinks became one of the most memed moments of the game.
5. Early Bird Lifestyle: Ashley identifies as an “early bird” rather than a night owl, unusual for the fashion industry.
6. Vintage Celine Collector: Her best investment piece is an “old Celine black cocktail dress,” and she covets anything from Phoebe Philo’s era at the brand.
7. Nonna Influence: Her grandmother (“Nonna”) took her shopping as a child, sparking her lifelong fashion obsession.
8. Sneaker Preference: Despite working in high fashion, Ashley prefers sneakers over heels for everyday wear.
9. Multi-Hyphenate Career: She has expanded from styling into interior design, event planning, PR, and social media strategy.
10. Low-Key Presence: Unlike other Swift squad members, Ashley maintains a relatively modest social media following (~151k Instagram followers) and rarely gives interviews.

Did You Know Already?

• Ashley appeared on Season 3 of The Rachel Zoe Project in 2010, replacing Taylor Jacobson as Rachel’s assistant.
• She has lived in both Los Angeles and New York City, with six years in New York as of her 2019 interview.
• Ashley’s father, Jerry Avignone, passed away in 2011 when she was in her late 20s.
• She was featured in a 2012 GUESS 30th anniversary campaign celebrating the brand’s iconic denim.
• Ashley attended the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards with Taylor Swift.
• She was present at Swift’s surprise Eras-themed birthday party in December 2024, organized by Travis Kelce.
• Her brother Nicolas has a daughter named Cora, making Ashley an aunt.
• Ashley’s friendship with Swift predates Swift’s relationships with Tom Hiddleston, Calvin Harris, and even Joe Alwyn.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @ashleyavignone — 151,000+ followers
• LinkedIn: Ashley Avignone — Professional profile
• Agency: WME (William Morris Endeavor) — [email protected]
• TikTok: Limited presence; primarily appears via Swift fan accounts

Note: Ashley reduced her social media activity in 2024–2025, focusing on private client work and personal life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Ashley Avignone?
Ashley Avignone was born on December 27, 1984, making her 41 years 1 month old years old as of 2026.

How did Ashley Avignone meet Taylor Swift?
Ashley met Taylor Swift in 2008 through their mutual friend Emma Stone, who grew up with Ashley in Arizona. The three have been close ever since.

What does Ashley Avignone do for a living?
Ashley is a fashion stylist, designer, and brand consultant. She runs her own company, Avignone Studio, and works with brands on creative and strategic projects. She previously worked in celebrity red carpet styling.

Is Ashley Avignone married or dating anyone?
As of 2026, Ashley has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship. She keeps her dating life completely private.

What is Ashley Avignone’s net worth?
Ashley’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million, derived from her styling career, brand consulting, social media partnerships, and television appearances.

Was Ashley Avignone in Taylor Swift’s “22” music video?
Yes, Ashley appeared in the “22” music video and is the first name mentioned in the hidden message in the Red album booklet: “Ashley, Dianna, Claire, Selena.”

Where did Ashley Avignone go to school?
Ashley graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles in 2006 with a degree in Fashion/Apparel Design.

Was Ashley Avignone on The Rachel Zoe Project?
Yes, Ashley appeared on Season 3 of The Rachel Zoe Project in 2010 as Rachel Zoe’s style assistant.

Where does Ashley Avignone live?
Ashley primarily resides in New York City, though she also spends time in Nashville, Tennessee, and travels frequently for work and with friends.

Who are Ashley Avignone’s parents?
Ashley’s father was Gerald “Jerry” Avignone (deceased 2011), and her mother is Cindy (Lourie) Avignone. She also has a brother named Nicolas.

Conclusion

Ashley Avignone represents the modern fashion professional—multi-talented, digitally savvy, and strategically connected. From her early days sketching clothes at age four to chugging beers with Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl, she has navigated the fashion industry’s evolution from traditional styling to brand consulting while maintaining the privacy and authenticity that has kept her in Swift’s inner circle for nearly two decades.

At 41, Ashley stands at an interesting career crossroads—established enough to run her own studio, connected enough to access any room in Hollywood, yet private enough to maintain mystique in an oversharing era. Whether she continues building Avignone Studio, expands further into interior design, or eventually writes a memoir about her front-row seat to the Swift phenomenon, her journey from Arizona childhood to Manhattan tastemaker proves that sometimes the best fashion statements are made not on the red carpet, but through decades of loyal friendship and professional evolution.

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