FEATURE: Ella Emhoff: political player and style icon
By Elspeth Chapman
In a world full of micro trends and cancel culture how does a politician stand the test of time?
Politician’s families play a crucial part in campaigning and remaining relevant in the media. Some families may take the virality route by releasing trending sounds, ‘I like my suitcase’, and others might remain slightly classier with front-row appearances at fashion weeks.
Ella Emhoff has risen to fame not only from her family’s status but through her sharp eye for fashion. Being the stepdaughter of Kamala Harris can’t be particularly easy, but Ella Emhoff jumped at the opportunity to help her ‘Momala’ campaign for the presidency. Emhoff’s caught the attention of many fashion pioneers and her commitment to values caused her to hit the headlines often.
Of Emhoff’s collective 530k following, most are Gen-Zs. She uses her platform to give voice to the marginalised and share her creative media. Emhoff gained a large majority of young voters for Harris. Although the result didn’t end in their favour Emhoff continued to encourage her followers to support their progressive politics, “This is the time to organise, mobilise and make a difference”.
Instagram via @ellaemhoff
After studying textiles at Parsons School of Design, Emhoff took an interest in fashion and knitting outside the classroom. In 2021, Emhoff caught the eye of the industry. Her bejeweled Miu Miu jacket led to IMG Models signing her to their agency. She later went on to work with designers and collaborate on projects. Famously, Joe Ando, a Tik-Tok star who was behind the ‘We did it Joe!’ Dress.
Emhoff’s fashion displays her personal style, her choices often reflect the intersection of fashion and social issues. When Emhoff walked the Met Gala Carpet alongside Stella McCartney in 2021 the fashion world was left baffled. The unlikely pairing worked together because of their intersectional fashion interests. In an interview with DAZED Magazine, Emhoff said “I was so excited to work with someone whose own values align so closely with mine. We’re both super passionate about sustainability and see how imperative it is that the fashion industry changes.”
Emhoff promotes sustainability throughout her choices in everyday wear, her brand and her collaborations. In an interview with Elle, she touched on where her inspiration came from for creating a sustainable brand. “It’s made me obsessed with researching materials, especially the recycled cashmere [Stella McCartney] has been working on.” “I try and source my yarns as sustainably as possible, whether it’s by going to outlets that are going to just throw away all their yarn or working with other brands to get their excess yarn.”
In a world where fashion is increasingly used as a statement, Emhoff’s career reflects the growing intersection between style and activism. Emhoff’s position in both the political field and the fashion industry is powerful. Although Harris’ campaign didn’t lead to the presidency, Emhoff represents a group of the younger generation that look to the future for hope and inspiration. Intersectional fashion is on the rise and just like her ‘Momala’, Emhoff is one to watch.
