Meet the Stylist: Ashley Avignone
Ashley Avignone was born in Los Angeles, but grew up in Arizona before moving back to the west coast. Always knowing that she wanted to work in fashion—she was sketching clothes at age 4. She went to college to earn her degree in fashion design and fell in love with the world of styling. Two weeks after graduation she landed a gig assisting one of the top celebrity stylists in the game, and for the next six years she worked with other leaders in the industry. Now living in both Los Angeles and New York, Ashley has a great roster of clients all on her own, and also works as a consultant to fashion designers and brands.
We had the opportunity to chat with stylist Ashley Avignone to find out more about her journey in the fashion styling industry. Read below to find out what Ashley said!
SS: Tell us the story behind your favorite wardrobe item.
Ashley: I have a few fur coats that my Nonna gave me. She was a buyer for May Company and is still one of the best dressed women I know. All of them are monogrammed with our last name on the inside. Every time I wear one it gives me this amazing nostalgic feeling.
Ashley: The Golden Globes 2 years ago. A client was wearing a dress that had gone down the runway literally 3 days before. It had all the layers and panels... It was beautiful. I sent her out the door, went back to her hotel room to pack up my things. When I got to the elevator, the door opened and she burst out "the dress is falling apart!" Because it was a brand new sample, the panels weren't the most secure. The bottom of her dress was in pieces. With every move she made, another one detached.
SS: How did you recover from it gracefully?
Ashley: We went back into the hotel room, and I sewed them back into place, one by one. She missed the carpet, but her dress was fully in tact when she came out to present.
SS: What is your favorite era for fashion?
Ashley: The 1950's. Everyone just had this elegance and sophistication to them. Women wore gowns to weekly dinner parties and men were always dressed impeccably in suits.
SS: What was your big break?
Ashley: Signing with my agency- The Wall Group. I assisted the best stylists in the game for about 6 years, and 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.
SS: Whose closet would you most like to raid?
Ashley: Carine Roitfeld
SS: Who are your favorite designers?
Ashely: Lanvin! Not only do I love the house, but Alber is one of the most amazing people I've ever met.
I also love Alaia, Prada, Celine