Ever since Ella Emhoff stepped onto the national stage during the 2021 presidential inauguration—dressed in that now-iconic embellished Miu Miu coat—she’s carved out a unique space for herself in the worlds of fashion, art, and self-expression. As the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, Emhoff quickly captured public fascination not just for her fashion-forward style, but for her eclectic creative pursuits, from knitwear design to modeling and, notably, her love of tattoos.
A student at Parsons School of Design and a signed model, Emhoff isn’t afraid to express herself through body art, often choosing whimsical, personal, and sometimes self-inked tattoos that speak to her DIY spirit. With an aesthetic that leans toward playful and unexpected, her tattoo collection has grown steadily in recent years. She’s even picked up the needle herself, experimenting with home tattoos and embracing imperfection as part of the process.
Whether she’s getting inked by fellow Brooklyn artists or adding her own creations, Emhoff’s tattoos are as offbeat and intriguing as the persona she’s become known for. And though many of her tattoos are small and scattered, they each carry a sense of intentionality and individuality that mirrors her artistic identity.
Ella Emhoff’s Rabbit Tattoo
Located on her sternum, Ella Emhoff sports a minimalist linework tattoo of a rabbit. Though she hasn’t publicly explained its meaning or shared when she got it, the design fits her signature preference for subtle, sketch-like art. Like many of her tattoos, this one reflects a personal aesthetic rooted in simplicity and whimsy.
Ella Emhoff’s Cow Tattoo
One of Emhoff’s most recognizable pieces, this playful cow tattoo sits on her left upper arm. Done in September 2020 by a Brooklyn-based tattoo artist (also named Ella), the piece perfectly channels her quirky sense of humor and love for unexpected subjects.
Ella Emhoff’s Flower Pot Tattoo
On the inner part of her right bicep, Emhoff has a colorful tattoo of a blue flower pot holding three delicate blossoms. It’s nestled among a cluster of other whimsical designs, making it a charming part of her growing sleeve-like arrangement.
Ella Emhoff’s Egg and Bacon Smiley Face Tattoo
Just below the flower pot tattoo, Emhoff displays a creative take on a classic smiley face—with eggs as the eyes and a curved strip of bacon as the mouth. It’s a fun, breakfast-inspired design that reflects her playful approach to body art.
Ella Emhoff’s Birthday Cake Tattoo
Also located on the same arm as the flower pot and breakfast face, the birthday cake tattoo is vibrant and slightly chaotic in the best way. Created by Brooklyn artist Ella, the cake was shared on Instagram with the caption: “colorful ‘boo’ cake bc it’s scary out there y’all.” The tattoo adds a surreal, almost celebratory edge to Emhoff’s collection.
Ella Emhoff’s Inner Bicep and Wrist Tattoos
In the same inner bicep cluster, Emhoff has what appears to be a cartoonish baby tattoo, adding to the eclectic vibe of her arm designs. Near her wrist, she’s also inked the letters “KME”—though the meaning remains a mystery to the public, it’s likely a personal reference or acronym.
Ella Emhoff’s Angel Tattoo
On her left forearm, Emhoff has a more detailed piece: a figure that appears to be an angel, complete with butterfly wings. The design blends innocence with surrealism, and its placement gives it more visibility than many of her other tattoos.
Ella Emhoff’s Outer Right Arm Tattoos
Her right outer arm features a colorful collection of eclectic tattoos, including a baby deer, an apple, and a rendition of Donald Duck holding flowers. Each tattoo feels like a spontaneous addition, emphasizing her free-spirited approach to self-expression.
Ella Emhoff’s Leg Tattoos
Emhoff’s legs are decorated with a smattering of playful, scattered designs. Though many are hard to clearly identify, visible tattoos include a small car, a pair of clowns, a dog, and several other quirky illustrations. These designs follow the same ethos as the rest of her collection—personal, imperfect, and unafraid to be weird.
Conclusion
Ella Emhoff’s tattoo collection is more than just body art—it’s an evolving canvas that mirrors her creativity, individuality, and irreverent approach to personal style. Each design, whether etched by a professional or created by her own hand, tells a story of self-discovery and uninhibited expression. In a cultural moment where curated perfection often dominates, Emhoff’s whimsical, hand-drawn tattoos feel refreshingly authentic—proof that ink doesn’t have to be polished to be powerful. As she continues to evolve as an artist and public figure, her body art will no doubt remain a living testament to her one-of-a-kind spirit.