This week at the Democratic National Convention, Ella Emhoff showcased her entire fashion collection.
It's not unexpected for those who've been keeping tabs on Emhoff since Harris took office. Emhoff, signed to IMG models, an artist, and a fashion designer, has proven beneficial for the high-fashion industry and looks set to amplify her influence further if she joins the authentic first family.
Yet, Emhoff is familiarly referred to as the “First Daughter of Bushwick” - Brooklyn's stronghold for creatively-inclined, tattooed twenty-somethings. She's modeled for designers such as Proenza Schouler and Maisie Wilen, notably at her standout moment in a bedazzled houndstooth outfit at President Biden's inauguration in 2021.
Over the past few nights, the 25-year-old has hinted at her potential role as the “first daughter” through her fashion choices. She wore a scarf top from Helmut Lang and pleated pants with the campaign's potentially Chappell Roan-inspired camouflage hunter look, followed by classic Thom Browne plaid suit with her natural curls pulled back, carrying a treat bag from cult brand Puppets and Puppets. On Instagram, she captioned a teary clip, "If you saw me cry on tv NO YOU DIDN’T," extolling her dad, second gentleman Doug Emhoff.
On Thursday, Emhoff spoke at the convention, revealing that her "Momala" entered her life when she was 14 years old - "a period that's notoriously testing for a teenager," she joked, before commending the vice president.
"Like many young people, I didn't entirely grasp my emotions, but no matter what, Kamala stood by me. She was patient, caring, and always regarded my feelings with seriousness. She's never ceased listening to me and she won't stop listening to all of us."
She shared the stage with Harris's niece and goddaughter, emphasizing one of the convention's prioritized themes: the significance of family.
For her address, she donned an asymmetrical, off-the-shoulder baby blue and white gown with a drop-waist and a ruffled tulle skirt. The convention showcased diverse renditions of feminine power dressing, but this ensemble maintained its contemporary allure. Emhoff complemented the look with Gen Z's beloved duo of tall white socks and black Mary Janes, while the bodice exposed her distinct patchwork tattoos.
The dress was crafted by social media powerhouse, actor, and designer Joe Ando; he previewed the dress online and shared his joyful reaction video after completion. Ando wrote that the creation took three days and that Emhoff herself enhanced the flower detail on the shoulder strap.
Perhaps, this outfit offers a compelling message to designers to reconsider the dress codes previously adhered to by female leaders, first ladies, and first daughters, subsequently initiating a new epoch of youthful and modern political influence-dressing.
CNN's Leah Dolan contributed to this report.
Emhoff's unique fashion sense, showcasing pieces from designers like Helmut Lang and Proenza Schouler, has become a defining aspect of her public persona. Her stylish choices at events, such as her bedazzled houndstooth outfit at Biden's inauguration, have captivated the high-fashion industry and sparked discussions about redefining dress codes for female leaders and first daughters, advocating for a more youthful and modern approach.
