Ella Rose Emhoff, born on May 29, 1999, is a multifaceted American model, artist, fashion designer, and LGBTQ rights activist who captured the public’s imagination as a member of the Second Family of the United States. As the daughter of former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and the stepdaughter of former Vice President Kamala Harris, she brought a fresh, unconventional energy to Washington, D.C., during her time there from 2021 to 2025. Her rise to prominence was not merely a matter of political proximity, however, as she carved out her own distinct identity through a thriving career in fashion and the arts, becoming a symbol of youthful creativity and progressive values on a national stage.

Growing up in California, Emhoff was raised in a creative and politically engaged household, with her mother, Kerstin Emhoff, a film producer, and her father, a prominent entertainment lawyer who later became the first Second Gentleman in U.S. history. She attended the Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she honed her skills in fine arts and textile design, graduating in 2021. Her breakout moment came during the inauguration of President Joe Biden in January 2021, when she wore a custom Miu Miu plaid coat that instantly went viral, earning her widespread media attention and a flood of fashion industry interest. That single appearance catapulted her into the spotlight, leading to a contract with IMG Models, a major agency that represents top-tier talent, and landing her on the covers of prestigious publications such as Dazed and Bustle.

Beyond her modeling career, Emhoff has established herself as a serious artist and designer, known for her hand-knitted garments and whimsical, textured creations that blend craft with high fashion. She launched her own clothing line, Soft Hands, in 2023, which showcases her signature knitwear and has been praised for its playful yet sophisticated aesthetic. Her work has been featured in fashion shows and collaborations, including a notable partnership with the brand Proenza Schouler, and she has walked the runway for designers like Stella McCartney and appeared in campaigns for Marc Jacobs. Her artistic practice, which includes embroidery, weaving, and sculpture, has been exhibited in galleries, further cementing her reputation as a multifaceted creative force.

Emhoff has also used her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart, particularly LGBTQ rights, as she identifies as part of the queer community and has been vocal about supporting marginalized voices. She has participated in events and campaigns promoting inclusivity, often blending her fashion work with activism, such as designing pieces for charity auctions and speaking at panels about the intersection of art and social change. During her stepmother’s vice presidency, she became a beloved figure on the campaign trail and at official events, often injecting a sense of authenticity and relatability into the political sphere, while maintaining her own independent career in New York.

As of 2025, Emhoff continues to evolve as an artist and public figure, balancing her work in fashion with her expanding artistic portfolio. She remains a prominent voice in the creative community, inspiring a generation of young people with her unapologetic self-expression and her ability to navigate the worlds of politics, style, and art with equal grace. Her journey from a design student to a cultural icon is a testament to her talent and determination, and she shows no signs of slowing down as she redefines what it means to be a modern muse in the twenty-first century.