7 Shocking Facts About Kamala Harris's 'Daughter' Ella Emhoff: The Unconventional Rise Of A Modern Fashion Icon

The search for "Kamala Harris's daughter" often leads to one of the most intriguing and unconventional figures in modern American public life: Ella Emhoff. As of December 2025, Ella, the stepdaughter of the Vice President, continues to carve out a unique path as an artist, designer, and high-fashion model, deliberately stepping away from the traditional political spotlight her family inhabits. Her recent appearances at major industry events, including New York Fashion Week Spring 2025 and the 2025 Innovator Awards, confirm her status as a genuine cultural force, not just a political footnote. This deep dive uncovers the freshest details about her career, her family life, and the surprising facts that define her journey.

The relationship between Vice President Kamala Harris and her two stepchildren, Ella and Cole Emhoff, is a compelling study in modern blended families. They famously refer to their stepmother not as "stepmom" but by the affectionate moniker, "Momala." This nickname, which Harris holds as her most cherished title, is a testament to the strong, supportive, and remarkably close bond they share, a dynamic that has been consistently highlighted in the media and remains a key part of the Harris-Emhoff public identity.

Ella Emhoff and Cole Emhoff: Complete Biography and Profile

Kamala Harris became a stepmother to Ella and Cole Emhoff when she married their father, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, in 2014. The children are from Doug Emhoff’s previous marriage to film producer Kerstin Emhoff, and the entire blended family is known for its famously cordial and supportive relationship.

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Ella Emhoff (Kamala Harris's Stepdaughter)

• Full Name: Ella Rose Emhoff
• Date of Birth: May 29, 1999
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 26
• Parents: Doug Emhoff (Father), Kerstin Emhoff (Mother)
• Stepmother: Kamala Harris
• Education: Parsons School of Design (BFA in Apparel and Textiles, Graduated 2021)
• Career: Professional Model (Signed with IMG Models), Knitwear Designer, Artist, Fashion Designer
• Public Debut: Gained global attention for her Miu Miu coat worn at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.
• Recent Activity (2025): Walked the runway for Coach during New York Fashion Week Spring 2025 and attended the 2025 Innovator Awards in New York City, solidifying her high-fashion status.

Cole Emhoff (Kamala Harris's Stepson)

• Full Name: Cole Emhoff
• Date of Birth: September 15, 1994 (Approx.)
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 31
• Parents: Doug Emhoff (Father), Kerstin Emhoff (Mother)
• Stepmother: Kamala Harris
• Education: Colorado College (Graduated 2017)
• Career: Works in the entertainment/tech industry in Los Angeles.
• Public Profile: Maintains a significantly lower public profile than his sister, Ella, and is generally considered the more private of the two stepchildren.

The Blended Family Dynamic: The True Story Behind 'Momala'

The relationship between Kamala Harris, Doug Emhoff, and his ex-wife, Kerstin Emhoff, is a model for successful co-parenting and a testament to modern family structures. The close bond they share directly contributed to the creation of the famous nickname that has become a national talking point.

The Origin of 'Momala'

The term "Momala" was coined by Ella and Cole themselves. When Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff married, the children wanted a title for their new stepmother that was neither "Stepmom" nor an attempt to replace their biological mother, Kerstin. The resulting name, "Momala," is a blend of "Mom" and "Kamala," and has been described by Harris as the title that means the absolute most to her. The nickname has deep, solid Jewish roots, though its usage within the Harris-Emhoff family is a unique expression of their multicultural and blended family coziness.

A Cordial Co-Parenting Relationship

What sets the Emhoffs apart is the genuinely friendly relationship between Kamala Harris and Kerstin Emhoff. Kerstin, a successful film producer and CEO of her own production company, has been a vocal supporter of Harris's political career, even attending the 2021 Inauguration and other major political moments. This collaborative and drama-free co-parenting style is highly unusual for a high-profile political family and has often been cited as an inspiration for other blended families navigating divorce and remarriage.

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This dynamic ensures that both Ella and Cole have a strong, unified support system. While Cole, who works in the tech industry in Los Angeles, prefers a quieter life, Ella's high-profile career as an artist and model means the family's unique structure is often in the public eye. The stability provided by their parents and stepparent is a foundational element of their success.

Ella Emhoff's Unconventional Path to High Fashion and Art

Ella Emhoff's career has skyrocketed since her unexpected public debut. Her unique, self-designed, and often quirky style—characterized by knitwear, tattoos, and a distinctly non-traditional aesthetic—has made her a genuine "It Girl" in the fashion world, completely independent of her political ties.

The Inauguration Day Moment That Changed Everything

Ella first captured the world's attention on Inauguration Day in January 2021. Her outfit, a crystal-encrusted Miu Miu coat paired with a ruffled Batsheva dress, instantly became a viral sensation and a fashion-world talking point. This single appearance catapulted her from a Parsons School of Design student into a global style icon, leading to an immediate signing with the prestigious IMG Models agency.

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2025: Runway and Red Carpet Success

Far from being a fleeting trend, Ella Emhoff has proven her staying power in the highly competitive fashion industry. Her recent activities in 2025 highlight her continued success:

• New York Fashion Week (NYFW) Spring 2025: Ella walked the runway for major brands, including Coach, where she was seen wearing an "I Heart NY" tee, further cementing her status as a downtown New York fashion darling.
• 2025 Innovator Awards: She attended the high-profile Innovator Awards in New York City, sporting a lacy black dress that continued her signature blend of edgy and elegant style.
• Collaborations and Design: Ella continues to thrive at the crossroads of art and fashion, collaborating with various brands and focusing on her passion for knitwear. Her work reflects a dedication to sustainable and slow fashion, often featuring hand-made pieces that align with her artistic background.

Her career trajectory is an example of how a high-profile platform can be leveraged to pursue genuine artistic passion rather than simply political influence. She has successfully navigated the complexities of being a public figure while maintaining an authentic, individualistic style that resonates with a younger, art-focused audience.

More Than Just a 'First Daughter': Key Entities and Influences

The story of Kamala Harris's stepchildren is inextricably linked to several key entities and influences that shape their lives and the public perception of the Second Family.

The Role of the Second Gentleman

Doug Emhoff, the first-ever Second Gentleman, has been a vocal supporter of both his children's pursuits and his wife's career. His public persona is often centered on his role as a devoted husband and father, emphasizing the importance of family. His prior career as a successful entertainment lawyer provides a strong, non-political foundation for his children, particularly Cole, who works in a related industry in Los Angeles.

The Parsons School of Design Connection

Ella Emhoff's education at Parsons School of Design, where she earned a BFA in Apparel and Textiles, is the professional bedrock of her career. Her formal training in fine arts and design is what distinguishes her from other celebrity models. She is not just a face; she is a designer and artist first, a fact that gives her credibility and longevity in the fashion world.

Embracing the Unexpected

Both Ella and Cole have embraced the unexpected turn their lives took when their father married Kamala Harris. They have consistently shown up to support "Momala" at critical moments, from the campaign trail to the Inauguration. Their presence adds a layer of relatability and warmth to the Vice President's public image, humanizing the political sphere and demonstrating a modern, inclusive vision of the American family. This focus on authenticity and individuality—whether in Ella's bold fashion choices or Cole's quiet pursuit of his tech career—is a powerful and enduring part of their story.