Talking to the New York Liberty mascot as she made the rounds to shows like Luar, Sergio Hudson, and Miss Claire SullivanTalking to the New York Liberty mascot as she made the rounds to shows like Luar, Sergio Hudson, and Miss Claire Sullivan
New York Fashion Week is behind us, and with it, all those lovely celebrities perched front row, hands in lap, attention on the runway. This season was lousy with notable names including Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Teyana Taylor, Debbie Harry, and Gabrielle Union-Wade, to name just a starry few. Apologies to all of them but no one was more magnetic, more charasmatic, more eye-catching than a certain larger-than-life pachyderm with long lashes and green nails so attention-grabbing, she practically stole the show at Sergio Hudson, Luar, and Miss Claire Sullivan. Friends, we’re referring to none other than Ellie the Elephant.
“This actually happens to be my second NYFW, and this year really blew me away,” the sassy and stylish New York Liberty mascot tells Vogue. “As you know, during Fashion Week it is all about who you are wearing and who wants you wearing them. Thanks to my amazing team, I’ve built relationships with new designers and reconnected with designers who we know really well already.” OK!
One couldn’t speak about Ellie with, of course, talking about her trademark nails. “My nail looks are always inspired by my friends at essie,” she said. “This time my set was an homage to my home, New York City—featuring charms and images that represent the greatest city in the world. It’s all about the details that make you sit up, lean in and look closer.”
Shana Stephenson, the New York Liberty’s chief brand officer said that Ellie has transcened her on-court role representing the team, helping, she says, to cement it as a “cultural force in New York.” That extends well beyond Manhattan too, as Ellie was spotted at the community-driven People’s Runway in Brooklyn on Saturday as well as designer Luar’s show out in Queens on Monday.
“The Luar show was a complete full circle moment for me,” says Ellie. “When I first started Ellie-vating my style, Luar was the very first brand to reach out and gift me a bag. So being there as a guest sitting in the front row, watching such a spectacular story being told through fashion and supporting those who have always believed in me—it brought tears to my eyes.”
