Ella Emhoff: Vice President Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter signs with IMG Models

21-year-old is studying fine arts and textiles at Parsons School of Design

Kamala Harris’s stepdaughter Ella Emhoff has signed a modelling contract a week after appearing at the presidential inauguration in a bedazzled Miu Miu jacket.

Emhoff, the 21-year-old daughter of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and his ex-wife Kerstin Emhoff, signed with IMG Models, according to model-img.html">The New York Times.

According to Ivan Bart, the president of IMG Models, which works with models including Bella and Gigi Hadid, Christie Brinkley and Karlie Kloss, the decision to sign Emhoff had to do with her “authenticity”.

“It’s not really about shape, size or gender any more,” he told The Times. “Ella communicates this moment in time. There’s a cheekiness and a joy she exudes.”

The president of the modelling agency also referenced Emhoff’s inauguration style, explaining that his first thought was: “Wow, she’s communicating fashion.”

As for Emhoff’s reaction to signing with the agency, considered one of the most prestigious in the world, she told the outlet that she was initially surprised because she “never saw that as being part of my timeline” when she was younger.

“I was pretty surprised when everything with IMG was happening because when I was younger, I never saw that as being part of my timeline,” she said, adding that she had her doubts about entering a world focused on appearances.

However, according to Emhoff, who is currently a senior at Parsons School of Design in New York City, she decided to enter into the modelling world after seeing a recent push for diversity, with the 21-year-old telling the outlet that she hopes to be “part of that change”.

Following the announcement, Emhoff’s mother shared her support on Twitter, where she wrote: “Very proud (but nervous) MAMA!  Ella will stay true to her cheeky self with all of our support.”

The news that Emhoff signed with IMG Models comes after inaugural poet Amanda Gorman also signed with the agency following her performance on Inauguration Day.

According to CNN, Gorman, 22, will join the agency on its entertainment roster, which includes stars such as Chrissy Teigen, Gal Gadot and Naomi Osaka, with the outlet reporting that the contract will be used to “develop endorsements and editorial opportunities for Gorman in the fashion and beauty sectors”.