Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of US Vice President Kamala Harris, has signed with IMG Models, the international modelling agency famous for representing the likes of Gigi and Bella Hadid.
Emhoff, 21, was reportedly signed by the agency after going viral during the inauguration, where she was sporting a jewelled Miu Miu coat and a long-flowing burgundy dress.
"It's not really about shape, size or gender any more," Ivan Bart, the president of IMG Models, told The New York Times. "Ella communicates this moment in time. There's a cheekiness and a joy she exudes."
On her part, Emhoff – who is studying to be a fashion designer at New York’s Parsons School of Design – told the publication that she was “pretty surprised” at everything that had happened with the modelling agency.
“When I was younger, I never saw that as being part of my timeline,” she said. “As someone who, like a lot of young girls out there, had self-confidence issues, it is intimidating and scary to go into this world that is hyper-focused on you and the body.”
Emhoff's deal with IMG Models comes after the agency signed Amanda Gorman, the young poet who became an international sensation after reciting her poem The Hill We Climb at the inauguration.
The poet wore a bright yellow ankle-length Prada coat and a circular satin red headband at the inauguration. According to fashion search engine Lyst, Gorman's wardrobe choice caused searches for "yellow coats" to skyrocket by more than 1,300 per cent. IMG Models will represent both Emhoff and Gorman for all brand endorsements and fashion-related opportunities.
