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Ella Emhoff

Ella Emhoff is an American model, artist, and fashion designer born in 1999.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ella Emhoff is an American model, artist, and fashion designer born in 1999. She became widely known as the stepdaughter of former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and later built a career in fashion and textile-based design.

Early life and education

Ella Emhoff was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1999. She attended Parsons School of Design in New York, where she studied fine arts with an emphasis on textiles and apparel.

Career in fashion and modelling

Emhoff gained broad public attention in 2021 and soon after signed with IMG Models. She has since worked in modelling and developed a reputation for distinctive fashion and knitwear design.

Public profile

Emhoff became known to a wider audience as the stepdaughter of Kamala Harris, then Vice President of the United States. She was part of the U.S. Second Family from 2021 to 2025.

Artistic work

In addition to modelling, Emhoff is identified as an artist and fashion designer. Sources describe her work as including textiles, knitwear, and other creative projects.

Key facts

  • Ella Emhoff was born on May 29, 1999, and is from the United States.
  • She is the daughter of Doug Emhoff and Kerstin Emhoff, and the stepdaughter of Kamala Harris.
  • She studied at Parsons School of Design, focusing on textiles and apparel.
  • She signed with IMG Models in January 2021 after public attention at the presidential inauguration.
  • She has been associated with knitwear and other fashion and art projects, including her brand Soft Hands.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ella Emhoff?
Ella Emhoff is an American model, artist, and fashion designer best known publicly as the stepdaughter of Kamala Harris.
When was Ella Emhoff born?
She was born on May 29, 1999.
What is Ella Emhoff known for?
She is known for modelling, fashion design, and textile-focused artistic work, as well as for her prominent family connection.
Who are Ella Emhoff's parents?
Her parents are Doug Emhoff and film producer Kerstin Emhoff.
What school did Ella Emhoff attend?
She attended Parsons School of Design in New York.
Does Ella Emhoff have a Canada connection?
No direct Canada-specific connection is established in the provided sources.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Emhoff
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, occupations, family relationship, and role in the U.S. Second Family.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7160666/
    Supports: Birth date and place, and parentage.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55853629
    Supports: Public attention after inauguration, IMG modelling contract, and Parsons textiles study.
  4. Yahoo Entertainment — https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kamala-harris-stepdaughter-ella-emhoff-181458169.html
    Supports: Modelling career, brands, Parsons graduation, and knitwear line Soft Hands.
  5. The Cut — https://www.thecut.com/article/who-is-ella-emhoff-kamala-harris-doug-emhoff-children.html
    Supports: Education, family background, and public profile in fashion.
  6. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/28/style/ella-emhoff-new-york-harris.html
    Supports: Her profile as a textile artist and knitwear creator in New York fashion.