Where Are They Now? with Ellis Ross

Where Are They Now? with Ellis Ross

By: Elena Ossoski

To escape the familiarity of her life in Saint Simons Island, Georgia, Ellis Ross chose Ole Miss to have a fresh start in a town whose lifestyle was completely foreign to her. The never-ending wave of new experiences kept rolling once Ross got to Oxford, Mississippi. During her sophomore year, Ross was unexpectedly approached with modeling jobs. As someone who had never thought twice about pursuing a career as a model, Ross took every opportunity that came her way with a light-hearted nature and deeply-rooted gratitude. 

By the fall of 2021, Ross was walking in her first fashion show in South Hampton, New York. Shortly after, she headed to Manhattan to claim a coveted spot working as a runway model during New York Fashion Week. After walking in New York Fashion Week again in February for the autumn-winter collections, Ross has been enjoying where her life takes her. 

When faced with a longing to stop in her tracks and move straight to Manhattan, Ross was advised by her hometown family friend and founder of Tibi, Amy Smilovic, to stay in school. Not only a successful designer in the New York fashion world, but also as someone Ross knew she could trust, Smilovic’s advice is what kept her in school amidst the frenzy of her blooming career and she is grateful for it every single day. Once she graduated with an Integrated Marketing Communications degree in the spring of 2022, Ross spent some time abroad in Italy stylishly enjoying the accomplishment of closing the college chapter of her life. 

Soon enough, another international adventure was on the horizon: walking in Paris Fashion Week. Ross reflects on the experience as humbling and surreal. The chance to visit a place like Paris, France rarely comes around more than once in a lifetime, let alone the opportunity to work there. Ross’s gratitude for her life shines through in every word that she speaks. 

Now that Ross has moved to New York City, she frequents her neighborhood’s restaurants and bodegas to help her feel like a local. Arguably this country’s capital of culture and fashion, New York is the perfect place to connect with oneself and your sense of style. As someone who dresses to fit their mood for the day, Ross’s outfits provide endless inspiration for onlookers. 

To follow along with Ross’s next adventure, follow her on Instagram here. For more features on Ole Miss alumni, keep reading Square Magazine and follow us on Instagram @um.squaremagazine for exclusive daily content!

Photos by Dawson Wilson.