While Americans head to the polls today to choose between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, another figure has emerged in the national spotlight – Ella Emhoff, Harris's fashion-forward stepdaughter.
Ella is the biological daughter of Douglas Emhoff, a Jewish-American attorney and Kamala Harris's second husband. In a meaningful step that helped blend their family, Harris embraced both of Douglas's children: Ella and Cole.
The 25-year-old Emhoff has carved out her own distinctive identity beyond her role in the potential First Family. With half a million Instagram followers, appearances at elite fashion shows, her own knitwear design line, and regular red carpet appearances – including a landmark debut at the Met Gala – she's become a cultural force in her own right.
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The bond between Emhoff and Harris runs deep. Affectionately calling Harris "Momala" – a playful fusion of "Mom" and Harris's first name – Emhoff embraces her as a third parent alongside her biological mother, Kristin.
Their relationship began over a seaside dinner in 2013 when Harris started dating Douglas. Harris's emotional connection is evident in her birthday message to Ella: "My heart is complete and my life is full when you're in it."
Happy birthday to our daughter, Ella. My heart is whole and my life is full with you in it.
Love, Momala pic.twitter.com/LeooS8BBaF
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 29, 2019
In fashion circles, Emhoff has established herself as a Gen Z trendsetter known for her distinctive hipster aesthetic. Her political stances appear to mirror the current wave of pro-Palestinian campus activism sweeping across American universities, reflecting the fashion industry's tendency to align with trending social movements.
Her social media activism sparked controversy last November when she shared a fundraising link for Gaza children on Instagram, notably omitting any reference to the Hamas attack of October 7. The campaign, run by the Ohio-based Palestine Children's Relief Fund, generated nearly $8 million, but critics condemned Emhoff's silence regarding Israeli children killed by Hamas on October 7.
Further controversy emerged in March 2024 when Emhoff posted a link supporting UNRWA donations following revelations about UNRWA employees' involvement in the October 7 attack. The link disappeared from her Instagram page within hours.
Despite her father's strong Jewish identity, Emhoff wasn't raised in the Jewish faith and doesn't identify with it. Yet, in an interesting intersection of cultures, she chose a Modern Orthodox Jewish designer for her inauguration outfit, pairing an Italian Miu Miu tartan coat with a burgundy dress from Jewish fashion label Batsheva.
Her inauguration ensemble became an instant social media sensation, with The New York Times declaring her a fashion influencer. This recognition led to a contract with IMG Models, one of the industry's most prestigious agencies.
Her credentials match her status – Emhoff graduated from the elite Parsons School of Design, concentrating in fine arts with an emphasis on fashion and textiles. Her post-graduation knitwear line, inspired by her passion for knitting, features prominently on her social media.
In the fashion world, Emhoff forms one half of an industry power couple with GQ menswear writer Sam Hine. The pair frequently commands attention at runway shows and red carpet events.
While Emhoff may not be a household name in Israel, her influence as a cultural figure shouldn't be underestimated. Her significant sway over Generation Z, combined with the possibility of Harris winning the presidency, positions her as a potentially influential voice who could rally pro-Palestinian voters to support her stepmother.
