Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of former Vice President Kamala Harris, directly addressed her online critics in a new Instagram video by showcasing her personal fashion expertise through real time styling of secondhand designer dresses. In the 66 second clip posted March 27, the 26 year old model and designer says,
“I just ordered a bunch of dresses from The RealReal and let’s try them on,”
before unboxing and evaluating each piece at home. She explains her adjustments aloud, declaring of the first look,
“It’s definitely giving Here Comes the Bride, but I also kind of like it.”
Emhoff continues to narrate her process without pause, proving her hands on knowledge of fit and wearability in front of the camera.
The viral video unfolds inside Emhoff’s Brooklyn residence, where wooden stairs, potted plants, and colorful wall art form the simple backdrop under natural indoor lighting. She holds up a white sleeveless midi dress from For Love and Lemons and notes,
“So I’m gonna try and take it in a little bit so it just adds a little more ruche to the sides and it fits my waist a little bit better.”
Moving to the next outfit, she describes a metallic knit piece from Danielle Guizzo with the words,
“Kind of like a metallic-y knit type material which I really love and will actually wear a lot during the summer.”
Emhoff tests the silhouette without pants, adding,
“It’s definitely a little more risque than I’m used to, but I also really like it,”
while her shoulder length brown hair, thin glasses, and visible tattoos on her arms and legs remain in clear view as she turns and gestures.
Emhoff first rose to public attention when her Miu Miu coat drew viral notice at the 2021 presidential inauguration, prompting her IMG Models signing within days. A Parsons School of Design graduate, she has since walked runways for Proenza Schouler, Coach, Balenciaga, and Maisie Wilen while launching her own knitwear and textile label called Soft Hands. Her latest post arrives against a backdrop of ongoing questions about how family connections influence opportunities in modeling and fashion. By purchasing the dresses herself through the resale platform The RealReal and breaking down every decision, she demonstrates practical expertise that extends far beyond any single red carpet moment.
Of the polka dot slip dress with black lace overlay from Alessandra Rich, Emhoff turns to reveal her back tattoo and states,
“I mean, honestly, now that I have my back tattooed, any dress that shows my back tattoo is my favorite dress.”
She concludes the clip by affirming,
“And I love it with pants too,”
before signing off with,
“Thanks for coming along.”
This transparent approach aligns with her established creative path, which blends artistic pursuits, design events, and consulting through her company rather than depending on inherited access alone. The casual vlog format, free of professional lighting or edits, reinforces her commitment to authenticity in an industry that often prioritizes polished imagery.
Observers note that the video, which quickly gained traction after an X repost, highlights Emhoff’s consistent choice to maintain a quirky Brooklyn aesthetic that distinguishes her from more conventional runway figures. Her willingness to experiment on camera, from evaluating fabric textures to celebrating tattoo visibility, stems from years of hands on work in textiles and personal styling. In a field frequently scrutinized for questions of privilege and merit, her direct engagement with viewers offers an unscripted window into the creative decisions that shape her public image. The post ultimately serves as both a personal style diary and a clear assertion of the independent expertise she has developed since her earliest fashion appearances.
Emhoff continues to balance her modeling contracts with ongoing textile projects and artistic endeavors, underscoring a multifaceted career that involves more than any viral moment or family connection. For context on her professional timeline, details appear in coverage of her fashion journey. Additional background on her life and work is available in her public profile, while the resale platform featured in the video can be explored at The RealReal. The clip invites audiences to see the same thoughtful approach she applies across her runway walks, label launches, and everyday creative expression.
