Ella Emhoff has become one of the most recognizable faces in American fashion and culture. As the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris and daughter of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Ella Rose Emhoff has carved out her own identity as a fashion designer, fashion model, and artist. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Brooklyn-based artist who took the fashion world by storm.
Table of Contents
Quick Bio About Ella Emhoff
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ella Rose Emhoff |
| Date of Birth | May 29, 1999 |
| Age | 26 years old (as of 2026) |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Profession | Fashion Designer, Fashion Model, Artist |
| Education | Parsons School of Design (BFA, 2021) |
| Modeling Agency | IMG Models Worldwide |
| Parents | Doug Emhoff (Father), Kerstin Emhoff (Mother) |
| Stepmother | Kamala Harris (Vice President) |
| Sibling | Cole Emhoff (Brother) |
| Location | Brooklyn, New York City |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million (estimated 2026) |
| @ellaemhoff (200K+ followers) | |
| Relationship Status | Dating Sam Hine |
Early Life and Family Background
Ella Rose Emhoff was born on May 29, 1999, in California, United States. She was named after the legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, a choice that reflects the creative and artistic values her parents instilled in her from an early age. Growing up in California, Ella Emhoff experienced a unique childhood that would later shape her artistic sensibilities and fashion career.
Doug Emhoff, her father, is a prominent entertainment lawyer who became the Second Gentleman of the United States when Kamala Harris assumed office as Vice President. Her mother, Kerstin Emhoff, is a successful film producer and co-founder of Prettybird Company, a production company known for its creative work in commercials and music videos. This creative environment nurtured Ella’s artistic talents from childhood.
Ella has one sibling, her brother Cole Emhoff, who maintains a lower public profile compared to his sister. The Emhoff children were raised primarily by their biological parents following Doug and Kerstin’s divorce, but they developed a warm relationship with their stepmother, Kamala Harris, when Doug Emhoff married the then-California Attorney General in 2014.
The stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris often refers to her stepmother as “Momala,” a affectionate nickname that highlights their close bond. Despite being part of the Second Family, Ella Emhoff has worked to establish her own identity separate from politics, focusing instead on her passion for fashion, art, and design.
Growing up in California exposed Ella to diverse cultural influences and the entertainment industry through her mother’s work. This background in creative industries would prove instrumental in shaping her career path as a textile designer and fashion model. The Democratic Party connections through her family gave her a unique perspective on public service, though she chose to pursue her own creative path.
Education Journey
Ella Emhoff’s educational journey reflects her deep commitment to the arts and fashion design. She attended local schools in California before making the pivotal decision to pursue her passion for fashion at one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States.
In 2017, Ella enrolled at Parsons School of Design in New York City, one of the world’s leading fashion and design schools. At Parsons, she pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus on apparel and textile design. The rigorous program at Parsons School of Design allowed her to explore various aspects of fashion, from knitwear design to textile creation.
During her time as a fashion student at Parsons, Ella Emhoff developed her signature style that combines sustainable practices with bold, artistic expression. She became particularly interested in knitwear and textile design, spending countless hours perfecting her craft. Her senior thesis collection at Parsons showcased her unique approach to sustainable fashion and her commitment to creating wearable art.
The designing student quickly gained recognition among her peers and instructors for her innovative use of materials and her ability to blend traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. She experimented with various textiles, often incorporating unconventional materials into her designs. This experimental approach would later become a hallmark of her professional work.
Ella graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2021, receiving her BFA degree. Her graduation coincided with a period of increased public attention due to her stepmother Kamala Harris’s historic election as Vice President. However, Ella remained focused on her craft, determined to build her fashion career on her own merits rather than her family connections.
After graduating, Ella moved to Brooklyn, New York, where she established her studio and continued developing her brand. The education she received at Parsons provided her with technical skills and industry connections that would prove invaluable as she launched her professional career in fashion design and modeling.
Career as Fashion Designer and Model
Ella Emhoff’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Her rise to prominence began not through her family connections, but through a single fashion moment that captured the world’s attention during the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.
The Breakthrough Moment
On January 20, 2021, during President Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony, Ella Emhoff stepped into the national spotlight wearing a striking Miu Miu coat with an embellished collar. The burgundy coat with its jeweled design became an instant fashion sensation, trending across social media platforms and fashion publications. This moment at the Presidential Inauguration 2021 catapulted the then-21-year-old fashion student into international recognition.
Within days of the inauguration, IMG Models Worldwide, one of the most prestigious modeling agencies in the world, signed Ella Emhoff to a modeling contract. This marked the beginning of her dual career as both a fashion designer and fashion model, a combination that is relatively rare in the industry.
Modeling Career with IMG Models
Since signing with IMG Models, Ella Emhoff has walked in New York Fashion Week for several prominent designers. Her unique look—characterized by her natural freckles, gap-toothed smile, and distinctive style—challenged traditional beauty standards in the modeling industry. She has embraced this role, becoming an advocate for diverse representation in fashion.
Her modeling portfolio has grown significantly since 2021. She has appeared in campaigns for major fashion brands and has graced the pages of numerous fashion magazines. Unlike many models who shy away from expressing their personalities, Ella has maintained her authentic, quirky style both on and off the runway.
The Brooklyn-based artist has worked with designers such as Batsheva Hay, known for prairie-style dresses, and has collaborated with Thom Browne on various projects. Her modeling work has taken her to fashion capitals around the world, yet she remains grounded in her Brooklyn community.
Fashion Design Business: Soft Hands
Parallel to her modeling career, Ella Emhoff has built her fashion design business under the brand name Soft Hands. The name reflects her approach to knitwear design and textile creation—tactile, handmade pieces that celebrate craftsmanship.
Soft Hands specializes in knitwear, a passion Ella developed during her time at Parsons School of Design. Her designs feature bold patterns, unconventional color combinations, and sustainable materials. Each piece is carefully crafted, often with hand-knitted elements that showcase her technical skills.
Her collections have been featured in various boutiques across New York City and are available through her online platform. The fashion designer has built a loyal following among customers who appreciate her commitment to slow fashion and sustainable practices. Unlike fast fashion brands, Soft Hands produces limited quantities, ensuring each piece receives the attention it deserves.
Artistic Collaborations and Projects
Beyond traditional fashion design and modeling, Ella Emhoff has engaged in various artistic collaborations. She worked with The 3% Movement, an organization dedicated to increasing the number of women creative directors in advertising. This collaboration allowed her to combine her artistic vision with advocacy for gender equality in creative industries.
In 2022, she served as a creative director for select campaigns, bringing her unique aesthetic to commercial projects. Her work with Viola Agency and other creative firms has expanded her influence beyond fashion into broader artistic and cultural conversations.
Ella has also maintained her practice as an artist, creating textile art pieces that have been exhibited in galleries in Brooklyn and New York City. These works often explore themes of identity, craft, and contemporary culture, blending her fashion background with fine art sensibilities.
Current Projects in 2026
As of 2026, Ella Emhoff continues to balance her modeling commitments with her design work. She has recently launched new collections through Soft Hands that incorporate recycled materials and sustainable dyeing techniques. Her Instagram account regularly features behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process, from initial sketches to finished garments.
She has expanded her brand to include workshops where she teaches knitting and textile techniques to aspiring designers. These educational initiatives reflect her commitment to preserving traditional craft methods while making them accessible to a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.
The artist has also been working on a larger collection scheduled to debut at New York Fashion Week in fall 2026, marking her transition from emerging designer to established voice in American fashion. This upcoming collection represents years of development and showcases her growth as both designer and artist.
Personal Life and Relationships
Ella Emhoff maintains a relatively private personal life despite her public profile. The Brooklyn, New York resident has been dating Sam Hine, a writer and editor at GQ magazine, since 2023. The couple shares a passion for fashion and culture, often attending industry events together.
Sam Hine, her boyfriend, has been supportive of Ella’s career while maintaining his own professional identity. Their relationship demonstrates how Ella balances her public persona with genuine personal connections. The couple frequently appears together at fashion events and cultural gatherings in New York City, though they keep intimate details of their relationship private.
Living in Brooklyn has allowed Ella to immerse herself in the borough’s vibrant arts community. She shares her Brooklyn studio space with several other artists and designers, fostering a collaborative environment that fuels her creativity. The neighborhood’s diverse cultural scene and artistic energy provide constant inspiration for her work.
Despite her connection to the Second Family and her stepmother’s position as Vice President, Ella Emhoff has maintained boundaries between her personal life and political sphere. She attends some political events to support Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff, including appearances at the Democratic National Convention, but she primarily focuses on her creative pursuits.
Her relationship with her family remains strong. She regularly posts about spending time with her brother Cole Emhoff and her parents. The close-knit family dynamic that characterized her childhood continues to be important to her, even as each family member pursues their own career path.
Ella is known for her love of knitting, a hobby that evolved into her profession. She often knits while watching movies or listening to music, finding the repetitive motion meditative and centering. This practice connects to her broader philosophy about slowing down and being intentional with creative work.
She has also spoken about her appreciation for comedy, mentioning Bo Burnham as one of her favorite comedians. This interest in comedy reflects her multifaceted personality—she’s not just a serious artist, but someone who values humor and doesn’t take herself too seriously despite her growing fame.
Her tattoos, which she occasionally showcases on Instagram, represent different phases of her life and artistic journey. Each tattoo tells a story, contributing to her distinctive personal aesthetic that sets her apart in the fashion world.
Ella Emhoff Net Worth 2026
As of 2026, Ella Emhoff’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million. This figure represents her earnings from multiple income streams, including modeling contracts, fashion design sales, artistic collaborations, and brand partnerships.
Her modeling contract with IMG Models Worldwide has been a significant source of income. Fashion models signed to prestigious agencies like IMG can earn anywhere from $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars annually, depending on the number and prestige of their bookings. Ella’s appearances at New York Fashion Week and in major fashion campaigns contribute substantially to her earnings.
The Soft Hands brand, while still growing, generates revenue through direct sales and boutique partnerships. Fashion designers typically see modest profits in their early years, but Ella’s name recognition has helped accelerate her brand’s growth. Her limited-edition knitwear pieces often sell out quickly, commanding premium prices due to their handcrafted nature and her celebrity status.
Brand partnerships and collaborations add another revenue stream. Since 2021, Ella has worked with various fashion and lifestyle brands, participating in campaigns and creative projects that align with her artistic vision. These collaborations typically include both upfront payments and residual income based on sales or campaign performance.
Her work as a creative director for select projects also contributes to her net worth. Creative directors in fashion and advertising can earn substantial fees for their consulting and directorial work, particularly when they bring recognizable names and unique perspectives to projects.
It’s important to note that Ella Emhoff has built her net worth independently of her family’s wealth. While her connection to Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris provided initial visibility, she has leveraged that attention to build a sustainable career based on her talents and skills. Her financial independence reflects her commitment to establishing herself as a legitimate force in fashion and art, not merely as the stepdaughter of a political figure.
Compared to her family’s wealth—Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris have a combined net worth estimated in the millions due to their long legal and political careers—Ella’s net worth is modest but impressive for someone in their mid-twenties who is still building their career. Her trajectory suggests continued financial growth as her fashion brand expands and her modeling career evolves.
Physical Appearance: Height, Weight & Style
Ella Emhoff stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, a height that is considered standard for fashion models. Her weight is estimated to be around 128 pounds (58 kg), though she has never publicly discussed her weight, focusing instead on health and wellness rather than specific numbers.
What sets Ella apart in the fashion world is not her measurements, but her distinctive look and personal style that challenges conventional beauty standards. Her natural features—including her freckles, gap-toothed smile, and curly hair—have become her signature. In an industry that has historically favored a narrow definition of beauty, Ella represents a refreshing shift toward authenticity and diversity.
Distinctive Features
Ella’s curly hair is often styled naturally, embracing its texture rather than conforming to sleek, straight styles common in fashion. She has been photographed with various hair colors and lengths, but she consistently maintains a look that feels authentic to her personality. Her hair color naturally varies between light brown and reddish tones, which she occasionally enhances with different shades.
Her freckles, which cover her face and body, are another distinctive feature that she never hides under heavy makeup. In fact, many of her modeling shoots and personal photos celebrate these natural markings. This choice has resonated with many young people who see her as a role model for embracing natural beauty.
Her gap-toothed smile has become iconic, particularly in an industry where perfect, uniform teeth are typically expected. Ella has resisted pressure to “fix” this feature, recognizing that it contributes to her unique look. This decision reflects a broader trend in fashion toward celebrating diverse physical characteristics.
Personal Style and Fashion Choices
Ella Emhoff’s personal style blends vintage inspiration with contemporary edge. She frequently wears oversized silhouettes, mixing masculine and feminine elements in unexpected ways. Her wardrobe includes everything from handmade knitwear to vintage finds from Brooklyn thrift stores.
Her approach to fashion emphasizes comfort and self-expression over trends. She’s been spotted in everything from bold patterned suits to flowing dresses, always adding her personal touch through accessories or layering. Her style choices often incorporate pieces from independent designers and sustainable brands, reflecting her values around conscious consumption.
At formal events, including the Presidential Inauguration and Democratic National Convention appearances, Ella has worn pieces by emerging American designers. She uses these high-profile moments to showcase talents who might not otherwise receive such visibility, demonstrating her commitment to supporting the broader fashion community.
Body Positivity and Industry Impact
Ella has become an inadvertent spokesperson for body positivity and authentic self-presentation in fashion. Without making explicit statements, her presence in the industry challenges the narrow standards that have dominated modeling for decades. Her success demonstrates that fashion is expanding to include diverse bodies, faces, and styles.
She maintains her appearance through a balanced approach to health that includes regular physical activity—she’s mentioned enjoying hiking and yoga—and a diet that focuses on whole foods without restrictive practices. This balanced approach reflects a healthy relationship with her body that resonates with her generation.
Her tattoos, visible in many photos, add another layer to her distinctive appearance. In an industry that has traditionally required models to have unmarked skin, Ella’s tattoos represent another way she’s challenging outdated norms. Each tattoo holds personal meaning, transforming her body into a canvas that tells her story.
Social Media Presence
Ella Emhoff has cultivated a strong social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where she has amassed over 200,000 followers as of 2026. Her account @ellaemhoff serves as a portfolio, personal diary, and platform for connecting with fans and fellow artists.
Instagram Strategy and Content
Unlike many influencers who maintain carefully curated feeds, Ella’s Instagram feels authentic and personal. She shares a mix of professional fashion shots, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process, personal photos with friends and family, and political content supporting causes she believes in.
Her posts often feature her latest knitwear creations, providing followers with insights into her design process. She’ll share photos of yarn selections, progress shots of pieces in development, and final styled images of completed garments. This transparency helps build a connection between her and customers who appreciate the craftsmanship behind each piece.
The Brooklyn-based artist also uses Instagram to showcase her modeling work, sharing professional shots from campaigns and runway shows. However, she balances these polished images with candid selfies and casual photos that reveal her personality beyond the fashion world.
Engagement and Community Building
Ella actively engages with her followers through comments and occasional Instagram Stories. She shares recommendations for other artists and designers, uses her platform to amplify causes she supports, and provides glimpses into Brooklyn’s creative community. This engagement strategy has helped her build a loyal following that extends beyond those interested in her family connections.
Her Instagram Stories feature day-in-the-life content, from morning coffee routines to late-night design sessions. She shares her favorite spots in Brooklyn, recommendations for sustainable fashion brands, and behind-the-scenes content from photoshoots and events. This consistent sharing creates a sense of intimacy and accessibility that resonates with her audience.
Impact and Influence
With over 200K followers, Ella’s social media influence extends beyond fashion into cultural conversations. Her posts about political events, social justice issues, and environmental sustainability reach an engaged audience that values her perspective. She uses this platform thoughtfully, recognizing the responsibility that comes with influence.
Her social media presence has also been beneficial for her business. Many Soft Hands customers discover her work through Instagram, and she occasionally sells limited-edition pieces directly through the platform. This direct-to-consumer approach allows her to maintain control over her brand while building personal connections with customers.
During the 2024 Presidential Election cycle, Ella used her platform to encourage voter registration and civic engagement, though she remained focused primarily on her creative work rather than explicit political campaigning. This balanced approach allows her to support her family while maintaining her identity as an artist and designer.
Interesting Facts About Ella Emhoff
- Named After a Legend: Ella Emhoff was named after the iconic jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. Her parents chose this name to honor the legendary musician whose work transcended generations.
- Inaugural Fashion Moment: Her Miu Miu coat at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration went viral, with the embellished collar design inspiring countless recreations and cementing her status as a fashion icon overnight.
- Self-Taught Knitter: While she studied fashion formally at Parsons School of Design, Ella initially taught herself to knit through online tutorials and books. This self-directed learning reflects her independent spirit.
- Political but Not Political: Despite being the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris and daughter of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Ella has maintained her focus on art and fashion rather than pursuing a political career. She refers to herself as part of the “Second Family” but keeps politics separate from her creative work.
- Tattoo Collector: Ella has multiple tattoos, each with personal significance. She’s been open about viewing her body as a canvas and using tattoos to mark important moments in her life.
- Sustainable Fashion Advocate: Long before it became trendy, Ella committed to sustainable fashion practices. Her brand Soft Hands emphasizes slow fashion, handmade techniques, and environmentally conscious materials.
- Comedy Fan: She’s a huge fan of comedian Bo Burnham and has mentioned his work as a source of inspiration. This appreciation for comedy shows her multifaceted interests beyond fashion.
- Brooklyn Creative: After graduating from Parsons, Ella chose to base herself in Brooklyn rather than Manhattan, seeking out the borough’s creative community and more authentic artistic environment.
- Family Nickname Creator: She coined the nickname “Momala” for her stepmother Kamala Harris, combining “Mom” and “Kamala.” This affectionate term has been widely adopted by the media when discussing their relationship.
- Multi-Hyphenate Creative: Ella Emhoff resists being defined by a single label. She describes herself as a fashion designer, fashion model, artist, and textile designer, embracing the full range of her creative interests.
- Teaching and Mentorship: In 2026, she began offering workshops in Brooklyn where she teaches knitwear techniques to aspiring designers, giving back to the creative community that supported her development.
- Challenges Industry Standards: Her success as a model with natural freckles, a gap-toothed smile, and non-traditional proportions has helped shift beauty standards in the fashion industry toward greater inclusivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ella Emhoff in 2026?
Ella Emhoff is 26 years old as of 2026. She was born on May 29, 1999, making her a millennial creative who blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion.
What is Ella Emhoff’s relationship to Kamala Harris?
Ella Emhoff is the stepdaughter of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who married Ella’s father, Doug Emhoff, in 2014. Ella affectionately refers to Kamala Harris as “Momala.”
Is Ella Emhoff still modeling with IMG Models?
Yes, Ella Emhoff continues to model with IMG Models Worldwide as of 2026. She balances runway work with her fashion design business and other creative projects.
Where did Ella Emhoff go to school?
She earned her BFA from Parsons School of Design in New York City, graduating in 2021 with a focus on apparel and textile design.
What is Ella Emhoff’s fashion brand called?
Her fashion brand is called Soft Hands, which specializes in handmade knitwear and sustainable textile designs rooted in traditional craftsmanship.
Who is Ella Emhoff dating?
Ella Emhoff has been in a relationship with Sam Hine, a writer and editor at GQ magazine, since 2023. The couple shares strong interests in fashion and culture.
How tall is Ella Emhoff?
Ella Emhoff stands 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, a common height for professional fashion models.
What is Ella Emhoff’s net worth?
As of 2026, Ella Emhoff’s estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 and $1 million, earned through modeling, fashion design, and creative collaborations.
Does Ella Emhoff have siblings?
Yes, she has one brother, Cole Emhoff, who prefers to keep a low profile and lives largely outside the public spotlight.
What made Ella Emhoff famous?
Although her family background brought initial attention, Ella gained widespread recognition after her viral fashion moment at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, where she wore a distinctive Miu Miu coat.
Conclusion
Ella Emhoff represents a new generation of creative professionals who defy easy categorization. As a fashion designer, fashion model, and artist, she has built a multifaceted career that honors traditional craftsmanship while embracing contemporary culture. Her journey from fashion student at Parsons School of Design to IMG Models contract holder and successful designer demonstrates that authenticity and talent can create opportunities even in competitive industries.
The stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris and daughter of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Ella has navigated the unique challenges of being part of the Second Family while establishing her own identity. Rather than relying on her family connections, she has used the initial visibility they provided as a launching pad for building a sustainable creative career based on her skills and vision.
Her impact extends beyond fashion into broader cultural conversations about beauty standards, sustainable practices, and authentic self-expression. Through her work with Soft Hands, her modeling with IMG Models Worldwide, and her presence on social media, Ella Emhoff continues to inspire young creatives to pursue their passions while remaining true to themselves.
As of 2026, at just 26 years old, Ella Emhoff’s career is still in its early stages. With upcoming collections scheduled for New York Fashion Week and expanding educational initiatives in Brooklyn, she shows no signs of slowing down. Whether walking runways, creating textile art, or teaching knitwear techniques to the next generation, Ella continues to prove that success comes from combining technical skill, authentic vision, and consistent dedication to craft.
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Ella’s journey offers valuable lessons: pursue formal education in your craft, remain authentic to your personal aesthetic, build community with fellow creatives, use your platform thoughtfully, and never let others’ expectations define your path. In doing so, you might just create your own unique space in the creative world, just as this Brooklyn-based artist has done.
