A special occasion is being celebrated by one of Taylor Swift’s longtime friends! On Saturday, December 28, the pop sensation enjoyed a night out in New York City that served not only as a date with her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, but also as a celebration for Ashley Avignone, a designer and stylist who has been part of Swift’s close circle for years.
The 14-time Grammy winner, now 35, honored Avignone’s birthday at Chez Margaux, an exclusive members-only club located in the Meatpacking District. The designer shared highlights of the celebration on Instagram, featuring a warm embrace, celebratory snapshots, and, of course, a birthday cake.
In a heartwarming photo set against a backdrop of animal-print cushions and seating, Swift and Avignone embraced tightly, which the designer used to kick off her birthday tribute.
The post also included images of a colorful cake adorned with sprinkles that humorously noted the stylist’s age with the frosting declaring: “Ash is 25 (again).” Avignone humorously commented in her Instagram Stories, “Who’s counting?”
One photo captured Avignone preparing to blow out a candle on the vibrant cake, while another displayed a close-up of the delightful treat. “Happy birthday to me,” she wrote in her post, emphasizing her happiness with a playful “Emphasis on the happy 😆.”
Having been friends for 16 years, Avignone expressed her affection for Swift by recalling, “30 years of life for you, 11 years of friendship for us,” during Swift’s 30th birthday celebration in 2019.
The heartfelt message continued, thanking her friend for being “the bestest friend, listener, dance party-starter, storyteller, haircut enthusiast, with the biggest, warmest, and most generous heart.” She concluded with, “Happy Birthday Tay!! Love you to pieces ❤️.”
The two first crossed paths through another close friend of Swift’s, actress Emma Stone. In 2010, both Swift and Avignone attended the premiere of Stone’s breakout film, Easy A, and later joined her at the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Avignone has been by Swift’s side for numerous events, from the filming of the singer’s “22” music video to her memorable Independence Day party in 2023.
Additionally, she has cheered alongside Swift at various Kansas City Chiefs games to support the pop star’s boyfriend, Kelce. The two friends also share credit for one of Swift’s most unforgettable moments at a Chiefs game.
During the 2024 Super Bowl, as Swift and Avignone cheered for the Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers, the jumbotron captured the moment they both enthusiastically chugged their drinks.
Most recently, Avignone showed her support at Swift’s own surprise birthday party, an Eras Tour-themed celebration organized by none other than Kelce.
