Where Are They Now? with Avery White
Where Are They Now? with Avery White
By: Elena Ossoski
Born in Oxford, Mississippi and raised in Destin, Florida, Avery White always felt connected to Ole Miss even after her family moved to the coast. As the daughter of two alumni, White grew up cheering on the rebels from afar in her hometown where crystal blue waters and palm trees are just a part of everyday life. From a young age, White was drawn to the magic that New York City constantly nurtures. Frequent visits to the city over the years and interning as a college student gave her the reassurance that New York is where she belongs.
Her first taste of what her future career could be like came from her internships with a personal stylist in New York and working with the social media team at Darling Magazine, a publication based in Los Angeles, California which strives to empower women through its content. White was in charge of running Darling’s Pinterest account during her final semester at Ole Miss. White’s exposure to the possibilities that lay ahead of her in her post-grad life only made her pending move to the east coast all the more exciting.
After graduating from the journalism school, White worked as a barista back home to save up for her big move. Her focus and determination to pursue how she really wants to live her life are beyond inspiring. Just like the millions of migrants to New York before her, White’s first chapter of life in the city began with a job hunt. White’s first big break came when she heard about an opportunity opening up at one of the world’s largest magazines from her long-time mentor who also happens to have Oxford ties, Cara Brand.
As a lifelong lover of the joy that fashion brings, White was thrilled when her search led her to a freelance position with Vogue’s special events team. The task at hand? Assisting in the organization of the delayed 2021 Met Gala which was held in September 2021. White’s tenure at Condé Nast was designed to only last a couple of weeks, but she reflects on the experience with great reverence for the abundance of knowledge and insight it gave her into the creative world.
Pictured above at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala in September 2021.
On top of the daily thrill of the job, all of her hard work led up to the big event: working the Met Gala. White wore a Marchesa tulle gown in a rich purple that appeared to flow with immense ease. The memory of the experience itself would forever linger in the mind of any fashion lover, and White thinks back on that September night with uncontainable gratitude.
Her experience proves that having a strong work ethic and a kind heart always pays off. White continued to support herself by working at a local coffee shop, but she always kept her focus on the dreams she has for herself. “You should never settle for the first thing that comes along; do whatever you have to in order to provide for yourself, but never lose sight of your dream,” White said.
Out and about in NYC.
Soon enough, the opportunity to work as the personal assistant to Mr. Tom Ford himself as well as TOM FORD’s Chief Marketing Officer Charlotte Blechman presented itself, and White has been happily doing so ever since. As someone who is immersed in the fashion industry on a daily basis, it is no surprise that White has an authentic sense of style. Long before her days of working in the fashion industry, style has always been a part of White’s life. With an artist grandmother and stylish mom for her to look up to since birth, it is no surprise that her good taste comes naturally.
Moments from White’s time at TOM FORD so far.
Constantly inspired by her surroundings, White leans into the breadth of styles that the seasons bring when she is looking for pieces that she loves. She gravitates toward angelic pastels in hues of pink, lavender, and pale green in the warmer months and sticks to a neutral color palette when the leaves start to turn. The classic combination of black and white and sharp, structured silhouettes are a key part of her wardrobe. White loves how the fall and winter seasons give her the ability to layer because it not only has a purpose, but it creates more opportunities to experiment when getting dressed.
White’s go-to café and a summer picnic in Central Park.
You can find her walking the streets of New York in a crisp, snow-colored blazer with a gigantic smile on her face. Avery White is living proof that there is nothing chicer than a well-dressed woman who carries herself with love in her heart.
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Images courtesy of Avery White.