Meet Ella Emhoff: Kamala Harris's Stepdaughter and Rising Star in Fashion, Art, and Activism.
Since Kamala Harris took office as Vice President in 2020, her family, especially her stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, 25, has captured significant public attention. Known for her unique blend of creativity, activism, and fashion, Ella has carved out a distinctive space for herself in the spotlight.
Ella Emhoff
A Creative Journey Fueled by Family and Passion
Ella, the daughter of Doug and Kerstin Emhoff, was named after the iconic jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, and grew up in a supportive, diverse family environment. Although her father is Jewish, Ella has emphasized that she doesn’t identify with Judaism, having not grown up with its practices.
From a young age, Ella was drawn to the arts, particularly knitting, which she began at six. She recalls learning the craft from her mother while staying at a Disneyland hotel, a hobby that would become a lifelong passion. “My mom taught me how to knit at a Disneyland hotel when I was six, using a kit from Target,” Ella reminisced.
Ella's relationship with her stepmother, Kamala Harris, has been a source of warmth and pride. Kamala affectionately refers to herself as “Momala” in her memoir, The Truths We Hold, expressing deep pride in Ella’s unique path and personal achievements. Kamala has spoken openly about the joy Ella brings to her life, adding that watching her stepdaughter pursue her ambitions has been a continual source of pride.
Education and Early Career
Ella completed her degree in Fine Arts with a focus on apparel and textiles from the Parsons School of Design in 2021. "We love you so much, and are very much looking forward to all you do in the future. Congratulations to our daughter Ella on her graduation. I am so proud of you. Keep dreaming with ambition and there is nothing you cannot achieve. Love, Momola." Kamala Harris wrote on social platform.
Ella Emhoff with Kamala Harris
Her thesis work explored knitwear as a medium to express complex themes around childhood and adolescence.
"Creating knitwear and textile pieces is soothing to me in a way which allows me to handle the hard themes of childhood/adolescents that I am exploring. Using techniques like machine knitting, crochet, and hand knitting I create a variety of knitwear pieces such as sweater vests, pants, and various headpieces inspired by my adolescent diary and different relics that I have saved. Most all of my work uses a lot of contrasting pastel colors along with sweet or childish imagery that are only enhanced by the softness of the yarn I use to create a world of color. For my most recent work though that color and childlike wonder is being contrasted with the reality of the childhood that I am trying to recreate for myself now as I grow."
Ella joined a modeling agency in 2021. After she donned Miu Miu at the 2021 inauguration, she was signed by IMG Models, a prominent modeling agency, making her runway debut at the Met Gala and quickly becoming a standout in the fashion world.Her bold approach to modeling, embracing body hair and tattoos, has helped redefine traditional beauty standards.
"All of my life, I had really low self-esteem and self-confidence, so this kind of felt like a way for me to take that back,” she explained in an interview. "All of my life, I had really low self-esteem and self-confidence, so this kind of felt like a way for me to take that back," Ella said about being a model. "I have body hair, I have tattoos. Like, that’s not crazy in the scheme of things today, but it’s not what you’d consider, like, the most generic-type model." In another interview, Ella said, "I think modeling now is not just about modeling, but it's about creating space for people who do other things, whether it be art, activism, writing, any type of creation. And I get really excited when I'm able to do things that, and work with brands that actually let me not only be the model, but actually share my own thoughts and have [conversations] like this where I can talk about sustainability and activism in general."
Though she parted ways with IMG in 2024 and reduced her modeling engagements, Ella still made an appearance on the runway for Coach during New York Fashion Week in September 2024.
ellaemhoff - Instagram
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Creative Ventures
In addition to her work in modeling, Ella has turned her passion for knitting into a full-fledged business. In 2021, she launched Soft Hands, Inc., a creative company that explores opportunities in fashion, design, consulting, and event hosting. Ella’s knitwear collections have received praise for their bold, whimsical designs, often combining nostalgia with contemporary art. In 2023, she made waves at New York Fashion Week with a pop-up presentation titled "Ella Emhoff Likes to Knit."
Her artistic endeavors don't stop at fashion. Ella is also a passionate community-builder. In 2023, she founded The Soft Hands Knitting Club, a space for creatives to gather and explore their passion for knitting. The club’s first meeting, held at The Standard in New York City, was a dream come true for Ella, who believes that much of her inspiration comes from the community she has built around her art.
A Personal Life Rooted in Brooklyn
Ella, who currently resides in Brooklyn with her dog, Jerry, has been open about her personal journey, including her past relationship with fashion writer Sam Hine, who works as a fashion writer for GQ.
While the couple has since separated, Ella shared insights into their relationship, highlighting the importance of open communication and mutual support in navigating life’s challenges. “Sometimes it’s really hard. Life is not easy. So, talk about it, and then you do it together,” Ella said, reflecting on the realities of relationships.
"What always impresses me most about everything she does is she has her own way and through the lens of personal style," Hine said about Ella in 2022. "You know, others, they wear whatever and in this position, they do what people tell them to do, and she is no pushover you know, she knows herself really, really well and what's going on inside."
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Ella Emhoff continues to be a trailblazer, proving that she’s more than just the stepdaughter of the Vice President of the United States. Her artistic achievements, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to sustainability and activism make her a role model for young people everywhere.
With her knitting club, online platform Soft Crafts, and continued work in the fashion industry, Ella is expanding her reach, using her influence to inspire others to embrace creativity, individuality, and community.
In an age where social media and digital platforms have created new ways for people to connect and share their passions, Ella’s commitment to authenticity and inclusion is a breath of fresh air. As she continues to explore new creative ventures and forge her own path, Ella Emhoff is a name to watch in the worlds of fashion, art, and beyond.
