Kamala Harris’ Stepdaughter Ella Emhoff Sparks Discussion After Showing off Her Tattoos During Paris Fashion Week

Ella Emhoff, the stepdaughter of former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, made a striking statement at Paris Fashion Week. However, not everyone was here for her look for one specific reason. She attended the Lacoste Fall RTW 2025 fashion show on March 9, 2025.

Emhoff’s Paris Fashion Week look seamlessly blended sophistication with an unapologetic edge. Dressed in an all-white ensemble that exuded a minimalist charm, she commanded attention.

A crisp, short-sleeved collared top, structured yet effortlessly casual, was tucked into a pleated mini skirt that swayed as she moved. The monochrome palette allowed the true focal point of her look to stand out—her extensive collection of tattoos.

With her hair slicked back into a sleek style, Emhoff’s face was left bare and natural, emphasizing her strong brows and sharp features. She also accessorized minimally, donning only a simple pair of drop earrings and carrying a white Lacoste handbag.

But as much as her outfit adhered to a clean, polished aesthetic, it served as a canvas for something far more expressive. Her arms and legs were a mosaic of inked artwork—each design telling its own story.

Abstract sketches, fine-line illustrations, and bold traditional pieces weaved together across her skin, creating a visual narrative that starkly contrasted the crispness of her attire.

One of the most striking elements was the way her tattoos played against the softness of her white knee-high socks and matching sneakers, an unexpected juxtaposition of raw and refined.

Emhoff gave her followers an exclusive look at her Paris Fashion Week experience, sharing a carousel of snapshots that encapsulated her excitement for the prestigious event.

With a caption expressing gratitude to Lacoste and creative director Pelagia Kolotouros, she offered glimpses of the moments that made the trip special.

In one image, she showcased a behind-the-scenes indulgence. The photo displayed a beautifully curated breakfast spread featuring avocado toast, poached eggs, and fresh-baked bread, served on a tray with Lacoste branding, emphasizing the luxury treatment she received.

Adding a playful touch in another photo, the young fashionista was seen puckering up to her white pleated handbag.

Emhoff also shared a more intimate moment from her hotel room, donning a plush white robe embroidered with her name and the Lacoste logo, capturing a quiet yet glamorous pause from the fast-paced event.

Rounding out the post, a final snapshot featured her outstretched hand holding what looked to be either a Lacoste-branded macaroon (a delicious French cookie treat) or a tennis ball.

“🎾🎾Lacoste FW 25 🎾 🎾 Thank you to the @lacoste team for such an amazing trip and making my first show such a special experience. I’ve been a big Lacoste fan since I was little, so this has been extra cool. Congratulations to @pelagia.kolotouros on a great show” captioned Emhoff alongside her Instagram carousel.

Her look was more than just fashion; it was a statement. An embodiment of individuality in a space where trends often dictate identity. And while her presence at the show was undeniably striking, it was the ink on her skin that had people talking.

After we shared a post on Facebook showcasing Ella’s bold look and inviting our readers to share their thoughts on her tattoo-covered aesthetic, the reactions poured in. Many were highly critical.

The conversation quickly turned into a debate about body art, personal expression, and whether Emhoff’s ink complemented or detracted from her appearance.

“To each their own but not a fan of tattoos. Her’’ look like she got them out of a bubble gum machine and she slapped them on. Too bad they weren’t temporary. Looks like advertisement for Disney,” one AmoMama reader wrote.

Another simply stated, “They spoil her looks,” while someone else remarked, “Ditch the tattoos. Not a fan of body graffiti or piercings.” A critic dismissed her ink with a single word, “Scribbles.”

Similar comments ensued, with yet another spectator expressing how “dirty” they think the tattoos make Emhoff look. Another compared her appearance to everyday youth culture and expressed annoyance over the big deal being made about Emhoff in general.

Others took a more neutral stance, acknowledging that while beauty is subjective, Emhoff’s aesthetic didn’t appeal to them personally. On the other hand, one supporter praised, “Beautiful young lady.” Still, a naysayer weighed in on her outfit as a whole, urging her to put on more clothes.

While online commentary on Emhoff’s tattoos may have been divisive, her presence in the fashion world is anything but accidental.

Long before her 2025 Paris Fashion Week appearance, she was already making waves in the industry, catching the eye of major players with her unconventional style and undeniable presence.

Her breakthrough moment came in January 2021, when she attended former President Joe Biden’s inauguration wearing a striking Miu Miu coat that quickly went viral. The attention wasn’t just from admirers of her unique fashion sense—it also caught the interest of IMG Models, one of the most prestigious agencies in the industry.

Just a week after the inauguration, she officially signed with the agency, joining a roster that includes renowned names like Karlie Kloss, Alek Wek, and Ashley Graham.

At the time, Ivan Bart, the president of IMG Models, emphasized that the industry was shifting away from traditional beauty standards, with brands and consumers alike seeking authenticity.

Emhoff, he noted, embodied the spirit of the moment, exuding a mix of playfulness and individuality that resonated beyond the runway.

But modeling was never just about appearances for Emhoff. As a senior at Parsons School of Design in New York at the time, she was deeply immersed in the world of fine arts, specializing in textiles.

Aside from dazzling with her looks, Emhoff uses her platform in the fashion world to create meaningful conversations and uplift emerging talent.

In September 2021, the same year she signed with IMG Models, she opened up about her aspirations in an interview with Vogue, revealing a deeper purpose behind her presence in the industry.

“I want to use my voice to speak up on issues I feel passionate about and amplify young designers like myself, who may not have the exposure they need to get started. It can be a little intimidating at times to put your thoughts and feelings out there, but it’s necessary,” she shared.

In May 2021, the model and designer reached a major milestone; she graduated from The New School’s Parsons School of Design. She was showered with love and admiration from her family, including her proud father, former Second Gentleman Douglas.

He posted a heartfelt tribute alongside a photo of the two standing side by side on her special day. Clad in her red graduation gown and black cap, Emhoff beamed beside her father, who looked equally proud in a classic suit.

“My darling Ella, we are such proud parents! We love you so much, and are very much looking forward to all you do in the future. And, to the other Class of 2021 graduates out there, huge congratulations!” he penned.

Emhoff’s loving stepmom Harris, known for her close bond with her stepchildren, also joined in on the well-wishes. She celebrated Emhoff’s accomplishment with a touching photo and message of her own.

As Emhoff celebrated personal milestones like her graduation and growing fashion career, she also carried the unique experience of being America’s Second Daughter.

In January of this year (2025), as President Donald Trump took office, Emhoff took a moment to reflect on the past four years, sharing a heartfelt Instagram post about what the role had meant to her.

Posting a carousel of photos, she revisited some of her most memorable moments from the historic Inauguration Day in 2021, when former President Biden and former Vice President Harris were sworn into office.

Among the snapshots were special glimpses of the eye-catching outfit that had catapulted her into the fashion spotlight—a jewel-encrusted Miu Miu coat paired with a structured dress underneath.

Alongside these images, Emhoff penned a deeply personal caption, capturing the whirlwind of emotions that came with being thrust into the national spotlight.

“I know we are all feeling a lot of emotions today. I’m truly feeling the full spectrum of emotions right now as I reflect on the past 4 years. I just want to say I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported me during this period of my life. Some of my highest highs and lowest lows,” she began.

Emhoff continued, “For those who made it harder, you suck. It’s been truly insane and a [sic] honor being the 2nd daughter. Thank you for letting me do it in my own way.”

Beyond her presence in the fashion world and her time as the Second Daughter, Emhoff is, at her core, a multidisciplinary artist and creator with a passion for craft and community.

In 2021, she founded Soft Hands, Inc., a company that allows her to explore a range of creative ventures, from fashion and design to consulting and event hosting.

Her work in textiles extends far beyond the runway. Ella Emhoff has used her artistic background to push the boundaries of knitwear, designing intricate pieces, creating installations for brands, and upcycling donated materials into new designs. But for her, knitting isn’t just about fashion—it’s about connection.

She has cultivated a community-based knit club, where she teaches others the craft and fosters in-person engagement, blending artistry with a sense of belonging.

Her distinct vision has caught the attention of the industry, with Cultured Magazine describing her as a “knitting diplomat.” They also praised her ability to merge her fierce dedication to the craft with an infectious appreciation for the unconventional.

Whether she’s making a statement at Paris Fashion Week, sharing personal reflections with her followers, or redefining knitwear through her own hands, Emhoff continues to chart her own path—one that is as unexpected as it is authentic.