Meet Karen Elson: Supermodel, Singer-Songwriter, Author
A world-renowned model and singer, Karen Elson's most recent project is a weekend-long photo exhibition at the Parthenon. We talk about her creativity, her love for the Centennial Park Conservancy, and even her friendship with ex-husband Jack White.
World-renowned supermodel and singer-songwriter Karen Elson has cultivated deep roots here in Nashville. Born in Britain, the ex-pat has been in Music City since she and her ex-husband, Jack White (of the famed White Stripes), drove through several decades ago. Since then, the city has offered her a quiet reprieve from the fashion industry, a place where she can raise her children and live life away from the cameras.
But don’t let that fool you. Karen’s career and creativity have shown no sign of losing momentum — from penning her memoir, The Red Flame, to her third solo album release in 2022, to her upcoming weekend-long exhibition at the Parthenon. Please welcome this dynamic FACE of Nashville, Karen Elson.
Can you tell us about your background?
I’m British and grew up in northern England. I became a model when I was 15 years old, which is kind of shocking when I think back! By the time I was 18, I was traveling all over the world and on Vogue covers. I got married when I was 25, moved to Nashville, and Nashville became my home; I had kids. I still work very hard — it’s been a long time in the business, and I’m still, thankfully, as busy as ever.
I’m still really enjoying it. What’s been wonderful as I’ve gotten older is that I’ve become more and more a part of the creative process in fashion. I do a lot of different things — I sing, and I’ve written a book. In general, I’m quite a creative individual.
How did your upcoming Parthenon exhibition come about?
I had an album out last year and asked Emily to do the photography. We directed a couple of music videos together and the whole concept for my album, Green, and we started making more art projects — things that were more for us and less the directive of other people. That’s where the exhibition idea came from.
Emily was taking pictures of all the past chairs for the Conservancy Gala. Sylvia Rapoport was like, “What can I do? Emily’s been so generous.” And I was like, “Give her an exhibition; she deserves it!” It’s turned into something very beautiful, and I’m proud of the work that Emily and I do together because we’re both mothers. We both work really hard — we’re constantly spinning plates.
I think it’s any mother’s dilemma, but we’re also creative individuals. So as a creative person, you’re sort of cursed with your mind. There’s always something percolating — some itch you need to scratch. It’s tricky sometimes because we also have to make money and be good mothers. And we both could relate to the trifecta of those things.
What drew you to the South, and Nashville in particular?
When I moved to Nashville, it was very serendipitous. My ex-husband, Jack, and I drove through Tennessee, and we fell in love with it. I’d been working very hard since I was 15, and he’d also worked very hard. We were ready for a reprieve, and Nashville created that. It was a little bit disconnected from both of our worlds, and we could grow our family. And that’s continued today.
We might not be married anymore, but Jack is one of my dearest friends. We have great kids. We’ve got teenagers now, which is a whole other adventure in itself! Nashville has become this lovely, beautiful escape from the fashion industry, which I think is necessary for me — for my mind. It’s a great place to raise my family.
What inspired your work with Centennial Park Conservancy?
Honestly, Sylvia Rapoport is just … don’t we all want to be Sylvia? She is the most fabulous woman. When I met Sylvia, I was bowled over — completely enamored. She’s just so smart, so elegant. She knows everything that’s going on and is a real force of nature. I have tremendous respect for what she’s done for the Parthenon and Conservancy and now, what she’s doing in criminal justice reform. I have so much admiration for her.
When I met her, she introduced me to some of the things she was doing, and I was very grateful to lend her my support. Part of it is also becoming a bigger part of the Nashville community and what people are doing and realizing that the Parthenon and the Conservancy are such a huge part of Nashville. [They give] so much joy to visitors and Nashvillians alike.
What can we do to get involved?
Keep visiting! Go to the park. See exhibitions at the Parthenon. I love the candlelight classical music they have. I’ve been going to the Parthenon for that alone and taking my kids. Over the holidays, we went and looked at a quartet that was performing in candlelight, and it was gorgeous. So, go there! And donate.
This is a jewel of the city and something that brings a lot of people joy. There’s something about going to Centennial Park that gives me that big city feel. When you go to Centennial Park and the Parthenon, you get the length and breadth of what Nashville is about, not this hierarchy of people. I really appreciate that.
What are some of your favorite places to eat, drink, and shop here in Nashville?
There are so many great restaurants, like Locust. I mean, it’s impossible to get in now. Trevor has always been a superstar, but now he is a bonafide superstar! Locust is one of my favorite places — those dumplings are to die for. Bastion is incredible as well. Josh, the chef, is a talented individual. And then I do love a little Cafe Roze [in East Nashville] or Roze Pony in Belle Meade. I think it’s such a charming spot, and the food is always delicious.
Even though I’m in fashion, going to the mall stresses me out so much. I have teenagers, so I have to go to the mall, but I’m grateful to see that there’s a lot more high fashion happening in Nashville these days. I love G&G Interiors in Belle Meade. They always have the best candles and, my favorite, John Derian ceramics. If you need a good last-minute gift, Holly Williams is the best with White’s Mercantile. It’s a go-to. I’ve got a teenage daughter, so she drags me to all the vintage stores — she could probably give you a better list than I at this point!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
There are two main ones I always go back to, especially being a mom when the seas are a little rocky. I always remind my kids, “this too shall pass.” It’s very basic, but that has kept me sane when there are stormy waters. The second thing is, “Nobody’s going to believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself.” I believe in myself.
Over the years, I’ve had harebrained ideas — no one told me to write a book. No one told me to make music. In fact, because I’m a model, it was actively discouraged. I am a very stubborn, driven individual, and when I put my mind to something, I do it. But I want to do it well. And the truth is, no one’s going to light that fire unless you light it yourself. No one’s going to hand it to you. You can have all the opportunities in the world, but if you don’t have the will and desire to do something, it won’t get done.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
I can’t live without beautiful music. It all comes down to good art, and that encapsulates beautiful music, art, and good books. I know this sounds hokey, but I’ve been so fortunate to travel the world, and for me, travel is a huge thing I can’t live without. I just love seeing new places. And good health, sanity, and having my feet on the ground! You can never take being healthy and happy for granted.
A special thanks to Emily Dorio for the photography.
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.