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Who is Taylor Swift's Long-Time Fashionista Friend, Ashley Avignone?
- Angela Tam
- 18 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Ashley Avignone inspired Taylor Swift's song "22" and has been a fixture at her side for nearly two decades. Here's everything to know as she emerges as a bridesmaid frontrunner.
She's been called the "blonde friend" standing next to Taylor Swift in countless NFL suite photos, but Ashley Avignone's history with Swift runs far deeper than American football season — and as wedding weekend odds tighten, she's emerged as one of the top picks to stand in Taylor's bridal party.
She Met Taylor Through Emma Stone
Avignone and Swift's friendship dates back to 2008, when the two were introduced by their mutual friend Emma Stone, who grew up alongside Avignone in Arizona. Avignone had previously styled Stone for red carpet events before the friendship with Swift developed.
She's the "Ashley" in Taylor's Song "22"
Avignone's name appears first in the hidden lyric message printed in the liner notes of Swift's 2012 album Red — "Ashley, Dianna, Claire, Selena" — a reference to the friends who helped Swift celebrate her 22nd birthday and inspired the hit single of the same name. Avignone also appeared on-screen in the "22" music video, dancing alongside Swift at the birthday party depicted in the clip.
She Built Her Own Career in Fashion
Avignone studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles before beginning her career as an assistant to a top celebrity stylist. She appeared on Season 3 of "The Rachel Zoe Project" in 2010, and went on to sign with talent agency The Wall Group in 2012, striking out as an independent stylist. She has described that leap into working for herself as her professional turning point.
She's Expanded Into Interior Design and Brand Work
Beyond styling, Avignone now runs her own company, Avignone Studio, and has expanded into interior design work, including curating commercial spaces. She's also done creative and content partnerships with brands including Saks Fifth Avenue, H&M, and Prenuvo.
She's Been a Regular in Taylor's Chiefs-Game Suite
Since Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship became public, Avignone has become one of the most recognisable faces in Swift's game-day entourage, appearing at multiple Kansas City Chiefs games throughout the 2023 and following seasons, including Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024.
Avignone's friendships extend well beyond Swift. She's remained close with Emma Stone and is also friendly with other members of Swift's social circle, including Gigi Hadid and Martha Hunt.