Ellie the Elephant, the New York Liberty’s Mascot, Is Ready to Bring Home the WNBA Championship
Anybody who’s been to a New York Liberty game knows Ellie the Elephant. The Telfar-toting WNBA mascot went viral earlier this year for her fabulous fashion sense, and has only gotten more stylish with each and every game. But Ellie wants you to know that she doesn’t get this way all by herself. “I also work with my talented team of stylists to pick out the most fly pregame fit to debut on the player tunnel,” she tells Vogue.
The fashion-forward mascot has a host of bags to choose from. “It really comes down to the outfit and how I feel. I’m intentional about what bag I choose each game because what I wear is an expression of my vibe for the matchup,” she says. So what’s in Ellie the Elephant’s rotation these days? “I have around 20 of my own bags—including Off-White, Telfar, Hello Ditto, and Karrica. I love to switch it up!” But the bag isn’t just for show. While Ellie uses it to collect fan art and gifts, she’s also a pragmatist. “I always need a change of earrings in my bag because sometimes that beat starts playing and my earrings like to fly off, and by the time I realize they are gone I am already far away. I’ve learned to stay ready and keep an extra pair on me at all times,” she says. “I also keep several hair essentials at my fingertips—to make sure my braid is always looking fly and intact—including hair elastics, hairspray, and gel for edge control.”
As the New York Liberty faces off against the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals, Ellie is getting more fanfare than ever. But for the anthropomorphic elephant, it’s all about keeping a routine. “I arrive early to Barclays Center to give myself plenty of time to rehearse and warm up. Just like our talented players, I practice every day and I am passionate about putting my best and most authentic self forward at every Liberty game,” she says. “I want to ensure my halftime performance is what the crowd needs! I also must get my playlist ready, so I can help set the vibe in the arena.”
Last night, Ellie helped create an electric energy at Barclays Center as the Liberty defeated the Lynx in Game 2, leaving the best-of-five series tied 1-1. “Liberty games at Barclays Center are already a vibe and the ultimate party in New York right now, but the ENERGY in the building during Playoffs is unmatched! The players are leaving everything they have on the court, so I have to do the same,” she says. “We are ready to bring that trophy home to New York—and I already got the fit picked out for the Championship parade.”
Below, Ellie the Elephant brings Vogue along as she gets ready for her home turf halftime performance during the WNBA Finals Game 2.
Claudio J. De La Rosa1/8First and most importantly I have to choose my bag! I was torn between three of my favorites that matched my vibe for the game…Maya Winston, Off-White, or Jacquemus for Nike. It was a tough decision!
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Claudio J. De La Rosa2/8Many people probably don’t know this but I rock a new braid each game! My aunties spend about half an hour before every game styling my hair so that I’m performance-ready. I whip that braid around a lot so it has to be tight and secure.
Claudio J. De La Rosa3/8Next up is to decide what my ’fit is going to be for the game. I work with a team of incredibly talented and creative people who help put my looks together for each game, including our Senior Director of Entertainment, Criscia Long, and Senior Manager of Entertainment, Shenay Rivers. It’s a team effort!
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Claudio J. De La Rosa4/8Here again with my team (or my aunties as I like to call them!), helping put the finishing touches on my fit and helping me accessorize. Gotta have my signature earrings on as always, and for this game we went with a matching bedazzled nose ring to elevate my look since it’s the Finals and you know I have to step it up!
5/8Next I walk out to be photographed on what I call our runway but what most people know as the player arrival tunnel. I show up every game serving looks. Periodt!
