Who is the Redhead in the Old Navy?
(By Javier Guerra)
A Face You Can’t Forget
Old Navy has a knack for picking models who resonate—and one bright-redhead has turned heads across billboards and screens. You’ve likely spotted her on the racks of gingham dresses or shrugging in colorful cardigans, her vibrant hair practically a billboard of its own. Her presence isn’t just a splash of color—it brings a joyful, relatable energy that turns casual shoppers into fans.
Meet Ella Thompson
If you’ve wondered “Who is she?”, the answer is Ella Thompson—one of Old Navy’s standout seasonal models. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Ella wasn’t born into modeling. She grew up with red curls, freckles, and a love for vintage tees. At 23, she was discovered at an indie farmers’ market, wearing her signature oversized denim jacket. A casting agent snapped a photo—now that photo is practically viral in billboard form.
From Market to Model
Ella’s journey from everyday shopper to fashion face is refreshingly organic.
“I was just buying strawberries,” Ella told Indie Style Magazine, “and suddenly I’m modeling in Los Angeles.”
Soon, she was signed by Campbell Models, a boutique agency specializing in fresh faces. Her first shoot for Old Navy was a tribute to Americana—think patchwork denim, striped tees, and lush green fields. The ad echoed authenticity and warmth, helped along by Ella’s genuine smile and glowing hair.
Why Brands Want Her
Ella’s appeal isn’t about perfect symmetry—it’s her down-to-earth charm. With freckles, natural red curls, and braces until her early 20s, she leans into authenticity. Old Navy tapped into that:
Relatability – Shoppers see themselves in her freckles and playful grin.
Personality – Bright, quirky, and cheerful, she embodies the brand’s fun-loving spirit.
Versatility – She can rock casual denim and bright swimwear with equal charm.
Old Navy Creative Director, Marissa Rivera, said in a recent campaign press release, “Ella brings warmth and a wink of mischief”—she’s the “girl next store we all secretly root for.”
Campaign Highlights
Ella’s face has lit up several standout Old Navy campaigns:
“Summer in Gingham” (2024) – Model clad in pastel gingham sets, twirling mid-laugh.
“Denim Days” (Fall 2024) – Fleece-lined denim jackets, framed by golden leaves.
“Splash & Play” (Spring 2025) – Poolside scenes, daisies in her hair, vibrant swim styles.
In each, she isn’t just wearing clothes—she’s living them, dancing around cityscapes or picnicking with friends, capturing the brand’s lifestyle vibe.
Fans Speak Out
Social media lit up when fans began tagging: “@ella_thompson_red”, “@ginger_dreams”. On Instagram, one comment reads:
“Ella’s smile made me actually want to buy those striped leggings 😂❤️”
Another wrote:
“That red hair is everything—so different but so real.”
Her lighthearted energy is contagious, and fans appreciate that she’s genuine—not just polished.
Beyond the Ads
Ella isn’t just a face on a poster. Serena Wells of Oregon Today interviewed her about body positivity and authenticity in modeling. “My freckles are part of my story,” Ella shared. Now, she’s exploring graphic design, sketching tees, and co-designing pieces for an Old Navy youth line launching this summer. She’s giving her smile a purpose.
What’s Next?
Ella is becoming a trendsetter. She’ll appear in Old Navy’s upcoming “Comfort Edition”—soft loungewear drop scheduled for July 2025. Expect her striking red hair against plush neutrals—beige joggers, sky-blue hoodies—and candid shots of her lounging on backyard patios or leaning with a latte in hand. She’s also signed to appear in their back-to-school push, bringing her trademark energy to cozy sweaters and backpacks.
Why That Red Hair Matters
In an age of filters and flawless effect, a model who stands out by being unapologetically themselves is powerful. Her hair isn’t just color—it’s a statement: embrace what makes you unique. Old Navy has found in Ella not just a model, but a message.
Redefining Beauty Standards
Ella’s rise signals a shift. Brands are listening—consumers want more than perfect faces; they seek connection, authenticity, and real stories. Her ascent is emblematic of this change. She’s not a curated image—she’s a real person with real expressions.
A Cultural Moment
Hair that doesn’t conform, freckles unfiltered, smiles unengineered—Ella embodies a new wave of representation. When she posts a behind‑the‑scenes clip on TikTok tying her red curls into a ponytail, fans comment things like: “My hair looks nothing like that, but I feel seen.” That’s the kind of impact that lasts.
Wrapping It Up
So, who is the redhead in Old Navy? She’s Ella Thompson—the real, the radiant, the relatable. She’s not just selling clothes; she’s redefining beauty standards and bringing joy to the racks. Whether you liked her first as a face or find yourself drawn to her charm over time, Ella proves that authenticity never goes out of style.
2025 marks her breakout year—and as she continues to paint campaigns with her signature shade of red, we can’t wait to see what shades come next.
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