Ava Phillippe Talks Family Christmas Traditions and Stepping in Front of Camera for Debut Holiday Campaign

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Ava Phillippe is stepping in front of the cameras for a festive new partnership, just in time for gift-giving season. The model — and daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe — stars as the face of Vince Camuto’s 2024 holiday campaign, which helps to promote the fashion brand’s new “Wonderbloom” perfume.

Per Vince Camuto, “Wonderbloom” features notes of white freesia, pear leaves, roses and sandalwood, with underlying tones of creamy almond milk. Launched this past spring, the women’s fragrance is fresh and floral, with a scent that is sweet without being overpowering. The new fragrance comes in a vase-inspired glass bottle with flower topper.

Phillippe was actually unveiled as the brand’s ambassador this past April, and the new ads mark the first holiday campaign from the collaboration. “We launched our partnership with the Wonderbloom Eau de Parfum, which is more than just a beautiful scent,” Phillippe tells Rolling Stone. “It’s a celebration of individuality, self-expression, and femininity. I love the messaging of this campaign and that Vince Camuto genuinely wanted to champion these qualities.”

Rolling Stone caught up with the model to chat about her new campaign, family holiday traditions and where you might be seeing more of her soon.

You’ve probably been offered several partnerships and campaigns in the past – what was it about this one made you say yes?

I’ve always had an interest in fragrance, but it’s become a much bigger part of my routine as I’ve come into my 20s. The opportunity to collaborate with Vince Camuto felt very aligned with my growing appreciation for fragrance. I thought the creative vision for the Wonderbloom campaign, a modern take on an ethereal garden, was so whimsical and fun. I had the best time frolicking on set, and the images we got are some of my favorites. 

Were you familiar with Vince Camuto before?

I’ve actually known about Vince Camuto for a while, especially as a brand that represents elegance and timeless style. Funny enough, my earliest introduction to the brand was through their fantastic line of shoes. It has been such a treat to represent this brand and its beautiful fragrances and to have the opportunity to further their legacy of femininity, confidence, and self-expression.

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What was it like on set, and what feeling do you want people to take away from the photos?

Moving into the holidays, the new campaign is all about playfulness and a joyful spirit. I think we did a great job of capturing the whimsy and pure joy of the season, and I really treasure the opportunity to be part of making people’s holidays a bit brighter and helping them find the perfect gift for their someone special.

Obviously, we know your parents from acting, but what was it like for you to be in front of the camera? Will we be seeing more from you soon?

I’ve definitely gotten more comfortable with it over the years! While being in front of the camera can sometimes be nerve-wracking, my experience on set for the Wonderbloom and holiday campaigns were truly positive ones. The Wonderbloom garden they made was nothing short of ethereal, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the grounding properties of the moss and flowers surrounding me. I’m so proud of what we’ve made and can’t wait to share even more in the new year. As far as being in front of the camera goes— this is not the last you’ll be seeing of me! We have even more to share in the new year, and I can’t wait!

This fragrance is great for gift-giving season of course — what is the best gift you’ve received and who was it from?

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As a pretty sentimental person, I think the best gifts are those with the most care and meaning behind them. So, I’d say one of the best gifts I’ve ever been given was a poem my brother, Deacon, wrote for me one Christmas when we were kids. His words were so loving and thoughtful, and I just know if I read it again as an adult, I would cherish it just the same.

What about family holiday traditions? What is something you and your family do every year?

I think the greatest tradition and what I love most about the holidays is simply gathering with those you love most. Since my siblings and I are growing up, we are a little more spread out than we used to be, but that does mean I cherish the quality time I spend with them even more now. When my brother, Deacon, and I come home for the holidays, we make sure to plan a day to take our littlest brother to do a bunch of fun activities like mini golf, go-karting, ice skating, and more. Those times spent with my brothers are definitely some of my favorite holiday memories.

Where are you headed to for the holidays this year?

I’m going to be all over the place this holiday season! I’ll be visiting my family in a few different places across the country and then spending the week of New Years in New York City. I love being able to travel outside of Los Angeles during the winter months to experience some chilly weather— maybe even snow.

Since this is for Rolling Stone, what are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

My favorite Christmas song is “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway. I love how joyful it is and that it’s a song you can dance and celebrate to, and Hathaway’s voice is just so smooth. I also enjoy any holiday song sung by Frank Sinatra or Nat King Cole— both their voices have such warmth to them, echoing the cozy, sentimental feelings of the holidays.