New York Fashion Week has officially drawn to a close, leaving behind a trail of memorable runway presentations, after-parties, and the inevitable parade of stylish celebrities perched front row. This season’s shows were packed with recognizable names, from Hollywood royalty and music legends to cultural icons like Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Teyana Taylor, Debbie Harry, and Gabrielle Union-Wade, to name just a starry few. Yet, despite the heavy-hitting roster of human star power, no presence was more magnetic, more charismatic, or more eye-catching than a certain larger-than-life pachyderm featuring long lashes and striking green nails. That presence practically stole the spotlight at Sergio Hudson, Luar, and Miss Claire Sullivan, proving that main character energy knows no bounds. Friends, that unforgettable style icon is 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 official mascot of the New York Liberty 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."
For a mascot who has rapidly expanded her cultural footprint beyond the basketball court, the transition from sports entertainment to high fashion has been nothing short of seamless. Her busy schedule this season took her across the five boroughs, proving her dedication to the city’s vibrant creative ecosystem.
"Dressing Ellie and having her attend my event was such an honor," said CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund nominee Miss Claire Sullivan, who dressed the famous elephant in an iconic "I [heart] NY" T-shirt paired with a swishy pleated skirt. "Ellie embodies the New York spirit—much like the brand itself. Dancing with her at Dover Street Market was such a quintessential New York moment. We’re all about bringing together fashion and fun and embodying main character energy—which Ellie does so effortlessly."
The collaboration was a celebration of local pride and playful fashion, capturing the spontaneous energy that defines downtown New York style. But Ellie could pivot just as easily from downtown cool to Uptown glamour. At Sergio Hudson’s high-profile runway show, she went full glam, donning a floor-length violet sequin gown layered beneath a striking crimson coat.
"I love dressing all women, and Ellie the Elephant is no exception," said designer Sergio Hudson. "She represents the NY Liberty, one of my favorite teams in the WNBA. It was amazing to have Ellie at the show."
Ellie felt a deep sense of mutual admiration for the designer and his work. "Sergio is a dear friend of the New York Liberty, having dressed my girls JJ, Sabrina, Stewie, and the incredible Clara Wu Tsai for the Met Gala in 2025," she notes. "I was so honored to attend his show. We really love his work and what he represents."
Much like any seasoned front-row regular, a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes preparation goes into curating Ellie’s wardrobe, particularly because she exclusively wears custom pieces tailored to her unique proportions.
"The designers I work with often refer to me as their canvas," she explains. "They are so talented, and I do my part to make sure their beautiful designs look phenomenal on me. As my fashion star rises, I love wearing pieces and committing to fashion in the way that I walk, breathe, and move. It’s all vision, cohesion, and collaboration."
No discussion of Ellie’s sartorial presentation would be complete without highlighting her trademark statement nails, which have become a signature aspect of her appearances.
"My nail looks are always inspired by my friends at essie," she shared. "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, points out that Ellie has long since transcended her traditional on-court role representing the WNBA team. Instead, she has helped cement the organization as a genuine cultural force within New York City. That cultural reach extends far beyond the traditional fashion tents of Manhattan. Over the course of the week, Ellie’s distinctive silhouette was spotted supporting community-driven events across the city, including the People’s Runway in Brooklyn on Saturday, as well as designer Luar’s boundary-pushing show out in Queens on Monday.
"The Luar show was a complete full-circle moment for me," Ellie says reflecting on the experience. "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."
