By This week at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, there were numerous fashion moments worth noting. While former First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and First Lady Jill Biden dazzled in their respective outfits, it was the Vice President’s stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, who truly stood out with her unique and playful style choices.
For those who have followed Emhoff since Harris took office, her flair for fashion is no surprise. Emhoff, who is signed with IMG Models and is also an artist and fashion designer, has become a significant figure in high fashion and is likely to grow even more influential if she becomes part of the official first family.
Emhoff, often referred to as the “First Daughter of Bushwick” — a nod to her connection with Brooklyn’s artsy, tattooed youth — has modeled for notable designers like Proenza Schouler and Maisie Wilen since her breakout moment at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021. There, she gained attention for her embellished houndstooth outfit.
Throughout the convention, Emhoff provided a glimpse of what we might expect from her if she assumes the role of “first daughter.” On Monday, she wore a sleeveless Helmut Lang scarf top and pleated pants, complemented by a camo hunter camp, possibly inspired by Chappell Roan. The following night, she opted for a classic Thom Browne plaid suit, with her naturally curly hair slicked back and accessorized with a cookie bag from the cult brand Puppets and Puppets. Reflecting on the moment, she humorously addressed her emotional reaction to her father, Doug Emhoff, taking the stage, writing on Instagram, “If you saw me cry on TV, NO YOU DIDN’T.”
On the first day of the DNC, Emhoff arrived wearing official Harris-Walz merchandise. Later in the week, she addressed the convention, sharing a heartfelt message about her “Momala,” Kamala Harris, who entered her life when she was 14. Emhoff expressed gratitude for Harris’s unwavering support, patience, and attentiveness, qualities she assured the audience Harris would continue to extend to all Americans.
Emhoff’s fashion choices during her speech also drew attention. She wore an off-the-shoulder asymmetric baby blue and white drop-waist gown with a hand-ruched tulle skirt. Despite being a convention that showcased various takes on feminine power dressing, her outfit stood out for its youthful and modern twist. She paired the dress with tall white socks and black Mary Jane flats, a favorite combination among Gen Z. The gown’s bodice was designed to reveal her patchwork tattoos, adding a personal touch to the ensemble.
The dress was crafted by social media personality, actor, and designer Joe Ando, who had teased the creation online for days. Ando later shared that the dress took three days to make, and that Emhoff herself had crocheted the flower detail on the shoulder strap.
Emhoff’s fashion choices signal a potential shift in the dress codes traditionally adhered to by female leaders, first ladies, and first daughters, potentially ushering in a new era of young and modern political power dressing.
