Ella Emhoff is an American artist, fashion designer, and model who rose to international prominence as the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris. A graduate of the Parsons School of Design, Emhoff became a breakout style icon following her appearance at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, subsequently signing with IMG Models. In 2026, she continues to lead the “Soft Hands” creative community, bridging the gap between high fashion and the DIY knitwear movement while maintaining her status as a primary influencer of Gen Z aesthetics.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Ella Rose Emhoff was born on May 29, 1999, in the United States to Doug Emhoff, an entertainment lawyer, and Kerstin Emhoff, a successful film producer. Named after the legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, she grew up in a creative and politically active household alongside her older brother, Cole.
Her parents divorced in 2008, but the family maintained an exceptionally close bond, famously co-parenting after Doug Emhoff married Kamala Harris in 2014. Ella and Cole coined the affectionate term “Momala” for their stepmother, a name that has since become a part of American political lexicon and a symbol of their harmonious blended family.
Academic Foundation at Parsons
Emhoff’s creative trajectory was solidified at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she studied Fine Arts with a concentration in textiles. Her time at Parsons allowed her to refine her skills in knitwear, ceramics, and painting, often sharing her experimental “slow fashion” projects on social media.
By the time she graduated in 2021, she had already established a distinct visual language characterized by bold colors, quirky textures, and a rejection of traditional gender norms in clothing. This academic background remains the backbone of her professional identity, as she frequently describes herself as an artist first and a model second.
The 2021 Inaugural Style Breakthrough
Ella Emhoff became an overnight sensation at the 59th U.S. Presidential Inauguration while wearing a jewel-encrusted Miu Miu coat and a burgundy Batsheva dress. The outfit was hailed by fashion critics as a “perfect marriage of Brooklyn quirk and occasion solemnity,” signaling a shift in how members of the Second Family approach public style.
This moment served as the catalyst for her professional modeling career, leading to a contract with IMG Models just days later. Her presence on the inaugural stage challenged traditional Washington D.C. dress codes, introducing a “First Daughter of Bushwick” aesthetic to a global audience.
Professional Modeling and Runway Success
Since signing with IMG Models, Emhoff has walked for some of the most prestigious houses in the fashion industry, including Proenza Schouler and Balenciaga. Her runway debut at New York Fashion Week was one of the most covered events of the 2021 season, proving that her appeal extended beyond her political connections.
Notable Career Highlights:
Met Gala Debut: She attended the 2021 Met Gala wearing a futuristic red Adidas by Stella McCartney bodysuit.
Magazine Covers: She has graced the covers of Dust, Buffalo Zine, and Hypebeast, often styled in her own knitwear.
Brand Ambassadorship: She has served as the face of campaigns for Mulberry and Calvin Klein, emphasizing her versatility in both luxury and streetwear.
Soft Hands: The Knitting Revolution
In 2021, Emhoff founded “Soft Hands,” a multifaceted creative brand that encompasses her knitwear designs, community events, and creative consulting. The “Soft Hands Knit Club” began as a series of pop-up events in New York City, designed to teach the craft of knitting to a new generation.
The brand focuses on “slow fashion” and sustainability, with Emhoff often upcycling materials or creating one-of-a-kind “knit paintings.” Despite the pressures of fame, she continues to manage much of the production herself, emphasizing the meditative and community-building aspects of textile arts over mass-market commercialization.
Personal Style and Cultural Influence
Ella Emhoff is widely considered a “tastemaker” for Gen Z, known for her unapologetic embrace of tattoos, curly hair, and eclectic layering. Her style often incorporates elements of “cluttercore” and “gorpcore,” blending vintage finds with high-end designer pieces and handmade accessories.
Her influence lies in her authenticity; she frequently discusses the importance of comfort and self-expression over adhering to trends. By openly sharing her “weird” tattoos and DIY projects, she has become a symbol for young creatives who value individuality and transparency in an era of highly curated digital personas.
Political Involvement and Public Image
While Emhoff primarily identifies as an artist, she has remained a supportive figure for her stepmother, Kamala Harris, throughout various political campaigns. She has used her platform to advocate for LGBT rights and human rights issues, though she often navigates the political sphere with a focus on creative expression rather than policy.
In 2024 and 2025, she was a prominent fixture at major Democratic events, using her fashion choices to make subtle statements about modern American identity. Her ability to balance a “cool girl” New York lifestyle with the formal requirements of the Second Family has redefined the role of political children in the 21st century.
Current Status and 2026 Outlook
As of 2026, Ella Emhoff has shifted her focus toward larger-scale art installations and expanding the “Soft Hands” community. While she continues to model for select high-fashion campaigns, she has expressed a desire to move deeper into the world of fine art and textile education.
She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, where she maintains a studio for her knitting and ceramic work. Her recent projects include a series of “knit portraits” and a permanent community space for “Soft Hands” enthusiasts, solidifying her legacy as a leader in the modern craft movement.
Practical Information and FAQ
If you are interested in Ella Emhoff’s work or attending a “Soft Hands” event, keep the following details in mind:
Official Website: Visit ellaemhoff.com for updates on her latest art drops and knit club dates.
Event Locations: Most Soft Hands Knit Club meetings take place at community hubs in Bushwick or Manhattan, such as The Standard Hotel or local wine bars.
Product Availability: Her knitwear is typically released in limited “drops” rather than a continuous stock; following her Instagram is the best way to secure a piece.
What to Expect: Events are inclusive and cater to all skill levels, from total beginners to advanced textile artists.
FAQs
Who is Ella Emhoff’s mother?
Her biological mother is Kerstin Emhoff, a film producer and co-founder of the production company Prettybird. Kerstin is famously close friends with Ella’s stepmother, Kamala Harris.
Did Ella Emhoff graduate from college?
Yes, she graduated from the Parsons School of Design in New York City in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Is Ella Emhoff still modeling?
Yes, she remains signed with IMG Models and continues to participate in high-profile runway shows and editorial campaigns in 2026.
What is the “Soft Hands Knit Club”?
It is a community organization founded by Ella Emhoff that hosts knitting workshops and events to promote textile arts and social connection.
Where does Ella Emhoff live?
She primarily lives and works in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.
How many tattoos does Ella Emhoff have?
While she hasn’t provided an exact count, she is known for having over 18 tattoos, ranging from whimsical designs like a cow to more abstract line work.
What is Ella Emhoff’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but her net worth is projected to be between $1 million and $5 million, stemming from her modeling contracts, art sales, and brand collaborations.
Is Ella Emhoff related to Kamala Harris?
She is the stepdaughter of Kamala Harris. Her father, Doug Emhoff, married Harris in 2014.
Does she sell her knitting online?
She occasionally sells custom pieces and limited collections through her official website, though she often focuses on one-of-a-kind art pieces rather than mass production.
What was her first major runway show?
Her runway debut was for Proenza Schouler during New York Fashion Week in February 2021.
What is her middle name?
Her full name is Ella Rose Emhoff.
How old is Ella Emhoff?
Born on May 29, 1999, she is 26 years old as of early 2026.
Does Ella Emhoff have a brother?
Yes, she has an older brother named Cole Emhoff, who works in the film industry.
What is her style often called?
She is frequently associated with the “Bushwick Chic” or “Quirky Gen Z” aesthetic, emphasizing DIY elements and vintage silhouettes.
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