Last month, we reported that Ella Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter, had been signed with IMG Models. On Thursday, Emhoff made her modeling debut when she walked the runway in Proenza Schouler’s New York Fashion Week show.
Emhoff Makes Modeling Debut
Entertainment Tonight reported that Emhoff modeled various looks in the show, including a gray oversized pant suit with a floor-length coat that featured a shearling collar.
She also modeled a black pleather trench coat with a yellow-and-black printed dress, black tights, and white strappy heels.
Emhoff even got to close out Proenza Schouler’s show by donning a chic black suit without a top.
Related: Kamala Harris’ 21 Year-Old Stepdaughter Ella Emhoff Scores Deal With IMG Models
View this post on Instagram
Designers Speak Out
“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,” designer Lazaro Hernandez told WWD, when asked why Emhoff was chosen to appear in the show.
“Having Ella be in the show was perfect for us because she represents this idea of a new beginning, a whole new chapter in American life and American culture,” Hernandez added to the Associated Press. “It’s the beginning of something new and fresh and optimistic and joyful and we wanted the clothes to have that feeling.”
They speak about Ella in this video:
Hernandez went on to explain why exactly someone like Emhoff is getting modeling gigs right now.
“The models that are interesting to us these days are not just faces. They’re faces that stand for something, that mean something. And she’s emblematic of this new generation of models and women, of fashion,” he said. “Models have to stand for something, they have to have meaning. It can’t just be a beautiful girl standing there.”
“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 co-designer Jack McCollough.
Related: A Look Back At Montel Williams And Kamala Harris’ Bizarre Romantic Relationship (Photos)
View this post on Instagram
Emhoff Discusses Her First Show
In an interview with NYFW at Spring Studios, Emhoff admitted to being nervous before her first show.
“I definitely lost a little sleep the night before,” she said. “I mean I’m walking for the first time, I’m in a professional environment for the first time… It was a very epic first experience with the fashion world.”
Emhoff added that she has plans for her future that go beyond modeling.
“For a really long time when i was younger I wanted to be a designer,” she said. “Then I took it a little more seriously, I started taking courses at Central Saint Martins over two summers…It definitely exposed me to the intensity of design school.”
It goes without saying that Emhoff would never have this modeling contract if she was not related to a prominent Democrat.
And, remember this? During her time as First Lady, Melania Trump was not featured on a single magazine cover despite her vast modeling experience.
I guess it pays to be a liberal.
Read This Next
