Ella Emhoff’s Fashion Journey Through the Years: From Runways to President Joe Biden’s Inauguration Day and More

Ella Emhoff quickly became one of the rising stars at the intersection of politics and fashion shortly after the 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden as the daughter of Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris. In the few years since, Emhoff, who earned her bachelor’s degree from the New School’s Parsons School of Design, amassed a large following on social media and her burgeoning career in fashion brought her to the front rows — and even runways — of major fashion shows.

In January 2021, Emhoff signed with IMG Models. She also walked the runway during New York Fashion Week for Maisie Wilen in September 2022 after making her runway debut for Proenza Schouler at the same fashion week in February 2021. Emhoff designs and creates her own knitwear, including jackets, short and hats, among other articles of clothing.

Ahead, see photos of Emhoff through the years.

Inauguration Day 2021

Emhoff emerged into the fashion spotlight in January 2021 during the inauguration of Biden. For the historic occasion, Emhoff wore a tartan coat with glittering embellishments on the shoulders and a pilgrim collar by Miu Miu along with a burgundy dress by New York-based designer Batsheva.

New York Fashion Week Debut 2021

After signing with IMG Models in January 2021, Emhoff made her New York Fashion Week debut for the Proenza Schouler fall 2021 ready-to-wear collection. “She represents the story we wanted to tell with the collection. It’s the beginning of a whole new chapter in American history, in the kind of clothes we’re wearing and are attracted to. She’s the breath of fresh air…” Proenza Schouler cofounder Lazaro Hernandez said during a preview.

“She’s new-gen, she goes to Parsons, which is our alma mater, she’s a fine arts major interested in knitwear, and she’s very much someone we’d hang out with,” added cofounder Jack McCollough.

Met Gala 2021

Months after the inauguration, Emhoff showcased her proclivity for fashion further at the 2021 Met Gala. The theme, “In America: The Lexicon of Fashion,” presented a lot of room for interpretation. Emhoff went with a monochrome red look with sheer elements in an Adidas by Stella McCartney ensemble. The model accessorized her look with Adidas by Stella McCartney Earthlight trainers and added the finishing touch of jewelry by Cartier.

Paris Fashion Week 2022

Solidifying her place in the fashion world, Emhoff began attending several fashion-forward events in the time following her Met Gala debut. The model wore a white and blue ensemble with a cropped, long-sleeve, slim-fitting jacket to Miu Miu’s fall 2022 ready-to-wear collection show during Paris Fashion Week in March 2022.

New York Fashion Week Runway 2022

After her appearance at Paris Fashion Week, Emhoff returned to New York Fashion Week in September 2022 and walked the runway for Maisie Wilen in an all-green look with black and white dots along the fabric. Emhoff made her runway debut at New York Fashion Week for Proenza Schouler in February 2021.

Paris Fashion Week 2023

A callback to her collaboration with Stella McCartney at the 2021 Met Gala, Emhoff attended the designer’s fall 2023 fashion show during Paris Fashion Week in March. Emhoff elevated a business-inspired look with snakeskin boots and an oversize, double-breasted gray blazer.

Bulgari Screening 2024

Emhoff put a spin on two trending styles at the Bulgari screening of its docufilm on the making of Bulgari Hotel Roma in June 2024. The model wore a little black dress paired with high socks and black, square-toed flats, evocative of early 2000s style that’s made a recent resurgence.