Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter Ella Emhoff signed to IMG Models after an attractive appearance at the opening on January 20.
Emhoff, 21, is the daughter of Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, and his first wife, Kerstin, a film producer.
A fine art student at Parsons School of Design in New York City, specializing in textiles, Emhoff has been talking to the agency since his stepmother’s career pushed her into the spotlight.
Her Miu Miu coat and her eyebrow twist to Mike Pence sealed the deal: before opening day, she had about 50,000 Instagram followers, and a week later the total exceeded 300,000.
Ella Emhoff, photographed alongside her father Doug at the inauguration, signed with IMG Models
The 21-year-old’s eyebrow movement in Pence went viral after the moment was captured by the camera
Emhoff now joins the ranks of Gigi Hadid, Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen and Alek Wek.
His signature took place on a day with Amanda Gorman, the young 22-year-old poet who performed at the inauguration.
“It is no longer about shape, size or gender,” said Ivan Bart, president of IMG Models.
‘Ella communicates this moment in time. She exudes a bold look and a joy. ‘
He said his reaction to seeing her at the opening was: ‘Wow, she’s communicating with fashion.’
Emhoff, with her unconventional appearance and 18 tattoos – including a cow, a vase, bacon and eggs, plus several she made herself during confinement – said Bart’s approach took her back, even though she ventured to model for a smaller agent.
“I was very surprised when everything with IMG was happening because when I was younger, I never saw it as part of my timeline,” she told The New York Times.
‘As someone who, like many girls out there, had self-confidence issues, it’s intimidating and scary to enter this world that is hyperfocused on you and your body.’
Amanda Gorman, the young poet laureate, portrayed at the inauguration, also signed with IMG
Gisele Bundchen (left) and Gigi Hadid are among the famous faces that are part of the IMG program
She said she was encouraged by the diversity of models that work today and the opportunity to be “part of that change”.
Bart told the newspaper that he noticed Emhoff raising funds for Harris during the presidential primaries.
Emhoff joins Alek Wek at IMG Models
‘I noticed her as soon as she came in the door,’ he said.
He said that during the summer, they started talking about the possibility of her joining the IMG.
They got a call from Zoom, and she showed him her loom and some of her knitwear.
Emhoff has often spoken of her strong family unity, with her brother Cole, 26, parents and Harris – whom she refers to as ‘Momala, the world’s greatest stepmother’.
The brothers, named after jazz legends John Coltrane and Ella Fitzgerald, call their father Doug.
Before the opening, she told The New York Times that she expected her father to start knitting, ‘like me’.
Her mother tweeted the news of her IMG deal, saying: ‘Very proud (but nervous) MAMA! Ella will remain faithful to her sassy side with all of our support.
Emhoff said: ‘Obviously I have a bigger platform now and I’m excited to share a lot of things that really interest me and to do something good.’
She said she was ‘excited to do things like wear fun clothes’ and ‘bring some Bushwick to the haute couture realm’.
She also hoped to raise funds for knit artists.
“There are a lot of people out there who need a lot of help,” she said.
“If I can do anything to help with this, I want to, and I think this opportunity will be very beneficial for that.”