Emily Threlkeld is a prominent American entrepreneur and publicist, widely recognized as the wife of former U.S. Congressman Harold Ford Jr. Beyond her association with Ford, Emily has carved out a notable career in the fashion industry and maintains a private yet impactful presence in public life.
Early Life and Education
Emily Threlkeld was born in Naples, Florida on January 2, 1981, to a real estate and fashion retail family. Her parents were Tom Threlkeld and Deborah Beard. She was two years old when her parents divorced. Later, her mother married Anson Beard Jr., former chairperson of Morgan Stanley; investor on Wall Street. Emily attended the University of Miami, from where she graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing.
Emily Threlkeld’s Fashion Influence and Style
With her reputation for highly sophisticated style, Emily Threlkeld is often spotted in high fashion ensembles reminiscent of her fashion industry background. Years of experience in working with designers like Nina Ricci and Carolina Herrera tune her sense of style, making her an admirably trendy figure among those who follow celebrity fashion.
Her personal style is often described by classic silhouettes, muted tones, and an eye for quality fabrics, which does attest to her past as a publicist in luxury fashion. Emily has always been low-key with her fashion, yet polished, balanced with elegance and professionalism. Her sophistication has grown to include adding glamour to public events when she accompanies her husband; therefore, she would be an ideal complement to Harold Ford Jr. through his public and professional life.
Marriage to Harold Ford Jr.
In 2004, Emily met Harold Ford, Jr. in New Orleans at a wedding. They dated for four years before their marriage on April 26, 2008, at Trinity Cathedral Episcopal Church in Miami, Florida. The wedding was very grand and attended by many guests. Harold Ford, Jr. is a former U.S. congressman representing Tennessee’s 9th congressional district, from 1997 to 2007.
He has also worked as a financial managing director and political commentator. Their marriage has been free from scandals, and the couple has maintained a strong partnership over the years.
Family Life
Emily and Harold have two children, with their daughter – named Georgia Walker Ford – born in December 2013, and their son, Harold Eugene Ford III, coming in May 2015. The family lives an almost incognito life in New York City, keeping themselves well away from the public eye.
Philanthropy and Public Engagement
Despite having a very low profile in public, Emily has been involved with various philanthropic works. She has donated and raised money for various entities, including the American Cancer Society, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and New York Public Library.
Career in Fashion and Public Relations
After college, Emily moved to New York City for fashion. She began her career in fashion by serving as a publicist to the famous and well-known fashion designer Nina Ricci. She was responsible for dressing all high-profile celebrities for this company, including Renée Zellweger and Jada Pinkett Smith. Emily Threlkeld also served as an assistant to the group president who handled the Nina Ricci and Carolina Herrera brands, named Mario Grauso.
In 2009 she co-founded the swimwear label Basta Surf with designer Samantha August. The brand gained momentum for celebrity clientele and could also be seen in the 50th Anniversary issue of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition in 2014. It has not been providing updates on its social media page since the year 2016 after gaining fame.
Emily Threlkeld’s Legacy and Impact
A life of fashion, philanthropy, and familial values have shaped the person that is known as Emily Threlkeld. She has made her mark in the fashion industry from her collaborations with brands to co-founding Basta Surf. While she has since moved away from her role, her impact in the space has been acknowledged by those observing her career path.
As for her personal life, Emily has managed to balance both her professional life and personal life as a wife and mother. Alongside her well-known contributions to larger cultural and charitable organizations, her philanthropy is nuanced, as well. By doing this, Emily Threlkeld showed that she could stay down-to-earth and at the same time support her family’s high-profile lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
Who is Emily Threlkeld: a former fashion publicist turned entrepreneur and the supportive partner of Harold Ford Jr. Her dedication to both success in the fashion industry and philanthropy shows a balance of professional talent and social responsibility.
