Pierce Abernathy Bio: Age, Height, Boyfriend, Career, “Don’t Skip the Dip,” Gucci Model, Aerthship & more
Pierce Abernathy is the Kentucky-born chef, model, and digital creator who has become one of the most captivating faces in modern food media. With his gentle ASMR-style cooking videos, seasonal “journal entries” from his Brooklyn kitchen, and a Substack newsletter aptly titled Don’t Skip the Dip!, Abernathy has built a devoted following that spans from Pasadena moms to Paris Fashion Week party planners. A former BuzzFeed Tasty producer who traded cheese-pull gimmicks for farmers-market elegance, he has walked runways for Gucci, fronted luxury campaigns, and used his platform to champion sustainability and community-driven dining. Now 32 and based in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Abernathy represents a new breed of culinary storyteller—one who treats food as an act of love, culture, and quiet rebellion against the internet’s endless appetite for spectacle.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Pierce Abernathy |
| Nick Name | Pierce |
| Profession | Chef, Recipe Developer, Model, Digital Creator, Substack Author |
| Birth Date | May 13, 1994 |
| Age | 32 years 3 months old |
| Birth Place | Louisville, Kentucky, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Don’t Skip the Dip! Substack, TikTok/Instagram food content, Aerthship collective, Gucci runway model, former BuzzFeed Tasty producer |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian (English/Irish heritage) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown (long, center-parted) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | BFA in Film Production, Boston University (2016) |
| Religion | Not publicly stated |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Spouse/Partner | Previously dated Chloe Wise (painter, 2022–November 2023) |
| Children | None |
| Parents | Not publicly named (worked in newspaper business) |
| Siblings | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hobbies | Farmers-market browsing, cycling, meditation, exercise, natural wine, sustainable fashion |
| Current Work | Substack Don’t Skip the Dip!; Aerthship Spring Tour pop-ups; recipe development; modeling |
| Years Active | 2016–present |
| Net Worth | Estimated $270,000–$366,000 annual income (content/revenue streams) |
Related personalities: Chloe Wise (ex-girlfriend), Troye Sivan, Benny Blanco, Tin Mai (Aerthship co-founder), Nadia Irshaid Gilbert, Laila Gohar, Emily Ratajkowski, Jared Leto, Billie Eilish.
Early Life & Education
Pierce Abernathy was born on May 13, 1994, in Louisville, Kentucky, a city better known for bourbon and horse racing than for producing fashion-world chefs. His parents worked on the business side of the newspaper industry, giving him an early exposure to media and storytelling.
Growing up in Louisville, Abernathy developed an appreciation for home cooking and communal meals, though he never initially envisioned a career in food. After graduating high school, he enrolled at Boston University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production in 2016. His film background would later prove instrumental in crafting the cinematic, soothing aesthetic that defines his cooking videos.
Career Journey
Digital Media Beginnings: Vice and BuzzFeed (2016–2020)
After college, Abernathy moved to New York City to pursue work in digital media production. He landed early roles at Vice and later at BuzzFeed, where he became part of the team behind “Tasty”—the viral food vertical famous for overhead cooking videos and indulgent recipe shortcuts.
At Tasty, Abernathy produced the kind of content that dominated Facebook feeds: fried foods, cheese pulls, and cream-cheese-heavy desserts. But the work left him creatively unfulfilled. “I wouldn’t make any of that for anyone I cared about,” he later reflected. “The amount of cream cheese! I’d never had a cheesecake before I got to BuzzFeed and then it was all cheesecakes.”
Restaurant Stint and Culinary Education (2018–2020)
Determined to deepen his culinary knowledge, Abernathy reached out to chefs in New York and began interning at Huertas, a Basque restaurant in the East Village. He would arrive after his day job to peel shrimp, chop vegetables, and occasionally plate a salad. He briefly left his salaried media job to cook at Huertas full-time before returning to freelance digital media work. In February 2020, he joined a small marketing agency as a media strategist, connecting influencers with brand partners.
Pandemic Pivot and Social Media Stardom (2020–2022)
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down New York in 2020, Abernathy moved back to Louisville. It was there, in August 2020, that he posted his first original recipe video: a 15-second homemade baba ganoush. The clip garnered 75,000 views and lit the fuse on his new career.
His content struck a different chord than typical food media. Instead of gimmicky indulgence, Abernathy offered what he calls “healthy-adjacent, fresh, whole food mentality”—seasonal, local, and unfussy. His videos blended overhead cooking tutorials with intimate to-camera moments, creating what fans describe as “ASMR” food content. By 2024, he had amassed 454,000 Instagram followers and 3.5 million TikTok likes.
Modeling and Fashion Crossover (2021–present)
Abernathy’s striking look—long center-parted brown hair, wire-rimmed glasses, and a delicate, almost ethereal presence—caught the attention of the fashion world. An agent discovered him on Instagram and began booking him for modeling gigs. His runway debut came with Gucci, where he found himself backstage alongside Jared Leto, Macaulay Culkin, and Billie Eilish. He later fronted a Gucci campaign, appeared shirtless in a pool for the brand, and walked for Helmut Lang.
He has since become a fixture at fashion events, curating dinners for Highsnobiety, attending Ralph Lauren shows, and being profiled in Esquire, Vogue, and The Cut. One writer dubbed him “the male Laila Gohar”—a reference to the famed food artist—though Abernathy’s style is notably more understated and approachable.
Substack and Don’t Skip the Dip! (2024–present)
In the winter of 2024, Abernathy launched his Substack newsletter, Don’t Skip the Dip!, which quickly attracted 7,000 subscribers. The platform allows him to share exclusive recipes, pantry recommendations, and personal essays with a dedicated audience willing to pay for his voice.
Aerthship and Community Initiatives (2021–present)
In 2021, Abernathy joined Aerthship, a sustainability-focused food collective founded by his creative partner Tin Mai. The group aims to “grow an earth-centric subculture” by bridging ecology and culture through collaborative dining experiences.
In May 2026, Abernathy and Aerthship launched their Spring Tour, a series of pop-up events exploring urban gardening in New York City. Previous tours have raised funds for Gaza mutual aid and community aquaponics farms in Williamsburg.
Career Stats
Notable Media Features:
- The Cut – “Everyone Wants to Snack on Pierce Abernathy” (2024)
- Esquire – “Five Fits With: Recipe Developer and Cultural Connector Pierce Abernathy” (2023)
- Highsnobiety – Multipage fashion feature
- Vogue – Aerthship collective coverage
- Christopher Fenimore – “At Home with: Pierce Abernathy” (2026)
- Office Magazine – Aerthship Spring Tour coverage (2024)
Runway and Campaigns:
- Gucci runway and campaign
- Helmut Lang runway
- Ralph Lauren show attendee/curator
Digital Presence:
- Instagram: @pierceabernathy (~454,000+ followers)
- TikTok: @pierzza (3.5 million+ likes)
- Substack: Don’t Skip the Dip! (7,000+ subscribers)
Personal Life
Family Background
Abernathy grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, in a family connected to the newspaper business. Details about his parents and any siblings remain private, though he has spoken warmly about his Midwestern upbringing and the values of hospitality it instilled in him.
Relationships and Dating History
Chloe Wise (2022–November 2023): Abernathy was “very visibly” dating Canadian painter Chloe Wise, known for her food-themed still lifes and contemporary art. The couple broke up amicably in November 2023.
Troye Sivan Connection (2023): In 2023, pop star Troye Sivan posted a viral TikTok declaring Abernathy his “celebrity crush” after discovering him through a Bon Appétit video. Sivan sent Abernathy a DM during Paris Fashion Week, and the two met up after realizing they both knew Chloe Wise. Abernathy described Sivan as “amazing” but suggested the crush was unrequited.
Emily Ratajkowski (2024): In early 2024, Abernathy was spotted dining out with model and actress Emily Ratajkowski, though the nature of their relationship was never confirmed.
As of 2026, Abernathy appears to be single and has kept his dating life private since his 2024 interview with The Cut.
Lifestyle and Home
Abernathy resides in a full-floor apartment in Crown Heights, Brooklyn—a 120-year-old space with high ceilings, pocket doors, and fireplaces that he says once belonged to a fur trader. He is a regular at the Union Square Greenmarket, where he sources seasonal produce from favorite vendors like Halal Pastures and Norwich Farms.
He is an avid cyclist, though he admits to spending “a ridiculous amount of money” on electric bikes before switching to a Citi Bike membership. Exercise and meditation are key parts of his routine to avoid burnout.
Controversies
Pierce Abernathy has largely avoided major public controversies, though his rapid rise and crossover appeal have generated some discourse:
“Parasocial Celebrity” Pressure: Abernathy has acknowledged the intense online attention he receives, including TikTok search suggestions like “pierce abernathy boyfriend” and “pierce abernathy hinge.” He told The Cut that he doesn’t respond to every DM in an attempt to preserve his mental health, calling “the internet a very weird place.”
Food vs. Fashion Authenticity: Some critics have questioned whether Abernathy’s fashion-world presence distracts from his culinary credibility. Abernathy has pushed back by emphasizing that his food comes first, and that his modeling career emerged organically from his social media presence rather than the reverse.
Political Dining and Gaza Fundraising: Abernathy’s decision to route Aerthship Spring Tour profits toward Gaza mutual aid and Palestinian causes drew both praise and criticism in a polarized media environment. He has defended the initiative as a natural extension of his belief that food is a tool for cultural understanding and community support.
Awards & Achievements
- Substack Success: Don’t Skip the Dip! reached 7,000 subscribers within months of launching
- Fashion Milestones: Walked runway for Gucci and Helmut Lang; fronted major Gucci campaign
- Viral Reach: 3.5 million+ TikTok likes; 454,000+ Instagram followers
- Media Recognition: Featured in Vogue, Esquire, The Cut, Highsnobiety, and Office Magazine
- Community Impact: Raised funds for Gaza mutual aid and Williamsburg aquaponics farm through Aerthship pop-ups
Physical Statistics
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown (long, center-parted) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Build | Slim / Sample-size (model physique) |
| Distinctive Features | Long center-parted hair, wire-rimmed glasses, delicate features, soft-spoken demeanor |
Quotes
“I like to cook. It’s how I show love.”
— On cooking as an expression of care, 2024“I wouldn’t make any of that for anyone I cared about. The amount of cream cheese! I’d never had a cheesecake before I got to BuzzFeed and then it was all cheesecakes.”
— Reflecting on his Tasty era, 2024“I want to convince Sally May in Iowa to eat broccoli for the first time. Then I want Sally May to buy organic broccoli. And then I want her to go to the farmers’ market. And then, maybe, I want her to talk to the farmer.”
— On his mission to steer food culture positively, 2024
Favorites
| Category | Favorite |
|---|---|
| Food Philosophy | Seasonal, local, approachable, plant-forward |
| Comfort Food | Vegan tofu katsu |
| Breakfast | Peanut butter and banana variations with yogurt, granola, chia seeds |
| Restaurants | Elkano (Getaria, Spain), Place des Fêtes (Brooklyn), Superiority Burger (NYC), The Grill (NYC), Lille Bakery (Copenhagen) |
| Markets | Union Square Greenmarket, New York City |
| Ingredients | Koginut squash, tinned fish, good vinegars, marinated artichokes |
| Fashion Brands | Gucci, Helmut Lang, Acne, Louis Vuitton, Collina Strada |
| Hobbies | Cycling, farmers-market browsing, natural wine, meditation |
| Travel | Copenhagen, Spain, Montauk (clam harvesting) |
Earnings
As of 2026, Pierce Abernathy’s estimated annual income from all revenue streams is approximately $270,000 to $366,000, according to analytics estimates.
His income sources include:
- Substack subscriptions: Don’t Skip the Dip! paid newsletter
- Brand partnerships: Collaborations with fashion and food brands
- Modeling contracts: Runway shows and campaign work
- Recipe development: Consulting and content creation for brands
- Aerthship events: Pop-up dining experiences and collaborations
- Social media monetization: Instagram and TikTok content
Interesting Facts
- Abernathy went to film school before becoming a chef, which explains the cinematic quality of his cooking videos.
- He posted his first recipe video—a 15-second baba ganoush—in August 2020 from his parents’ home in Louisville during the pandemic.
- He calls his videos “journal entries” rather than formal cooking tutorials.
- Pop star Troye Sivan publicly declared Abernathy his celebrity crush in a viral TikTok.
- He has described his content style as “ASMR”—soft, soothing, and visually driven rather than aggressively instructional.
- He is part of the sustainability collective Aerthship, which merges ecology with culture through food experiences.
- He walked his first Gucci runway alongside Jared Leto, Macaulay Culkin, and Billie Eilish.
- He is a french fry addict and admits to devouring them at Cafe Mogador even when not hungry.
- He is a regular Citi Bike user in New York after giving up on expensive electric bikes.
- His Spring 2026 Aerthship tour focused on urban gardening in NYC.
Did You Know Already?
- Pierce Abernathy never trained at a culinary school; he learned by interning at Huertas, a Basque restaurant in the East Village.
- His TikTok handle is @pierzza—a playful spelling of his name.
- Before creating his own content, he produced viral BuzzFeed Tasty videos featuring cream cheese, ground beef, and fried foods he would never eat himself.
- He has been described as “the male Laila Gohar” by fashion insiders.
- He buys a variation of peanut butter and banana for breakfast almost every single day.
- He has said his ultimate goal is to convince a hypothetical “Sally May in Iowa” to buy organic broccoli from a farmers’ market.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @pierceabernathy
- TikTok: @pierzza
- Substack: Don’t Skip the Dip!
- Aerthship: aerthship.com
- IMG Models: Pierce Abernathy
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Pierce Abernathy in 2026?
Pierce Abernathy is 32 years old. He was born on May 13, 1994, in Louisville, Kentucky.
What is Pierce Abernathy famous for?
Abernathy is famous for his soothing, ASMR-style cooking videos on Instagram and TikTok, his Substack newsletter Don’t Skip the Dip!, his work with the sustainability collective Aerthship, and his crossover success as a fashion model for brands like Gucci and Helmut Lang.
Is Pierce Abernathy a trained chef?
No, Abernathy did not attend culinary school. He studied film production at Boston University and learned to cook by interning at Huertas, a Basque restaurant in New York’s East Village, after working as a producer at BuzzFeed Tasty.
Who has Pierce Abernathy dated?
Abernathy publicly dated Canadian painter Chloe Wise from 2022 until their amicable split in November 2023. He was also spotted dining with Emily Ratajkowski in early 2024 and was the subject of a viral celebrity crush by pop star Troye Sivan.
What is Pierce Abernathy’s Substack?
His Substack newsletter is called Don’t Skip the Dip!, where he shares exclusive recipes, pantry recommendations, and personal essays. It launched in winter 2024 and has over 7,000 subscribers.
What is Aerthship?
Aerthship is a sustainability-focused food collective co-founded by Tin Mai and joined by Abernathy in 2021. The group hosts pop-up dining experiences that bridge ecology and culture, with proceeds supporting community initiatives like urban gardening and mutual aid funds.
Conclusion
Pierce Abernathy represents a refreshing evolution in food media—one that trades spectacle for sincerity, and virality for values. From his early days churning out cheese-pull videos at BuzzFeed to walking Gucci runways and building a community around seasonal, accessible cooking, he has proven that authenticity can be the ultimate brand. At 32, with a thriving Substack, a growing modeling portfolio, and a mission to make sustainable eating feel effortless, Abernathy is not just feeding his followers; he’s inviting them to sit at a longer, more thoughtful table. Whether he’s harvesting clams in Montauk or hosting urban gardening pop-ups in Brooklyn, Pierce Abernathy is quietly redefining what it means to be a chef in the digital age.
If you enjoyed this biography, please share it with fellow food lovers and anyone who believes that the best meals are made with love, not likes.
