KEY POINTS

  • News of Ella Emhoff signing a modeling contract with IMG Models received mixed reactions on Twitter
  • Some questioned the fashion industry's snub of former first lady Melania Trump, who was a model
  • Other Twitter users said Emhoff appears to suit modeling based on her appearance

Not all netizens were happy after learning that Vice President Kamala Harris' stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, has signed with a major modeling agency.

The 22-year-old daughter of second gentleman Doug Emhoff went viral on social media last week for her fashion choices and eyebrow-wiggling on Inauguration Day. Just a week later, Emhoff signed a contract with IMG Models, which has supermodels like Karlie Kloss and Gisele Bündchen and singers like Selena Gomez on its roster, CNN reported.

The news received mixed reactions on Twitter. While some appeared to be happy and supportive of Emhoff's move, other users questioned the difference in the treatment Harris' stepdaughter and former first lady Melania Trump, who was a model, received.

"So Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter just got a modeling contract but not once was our former First Lady, Melania Trump, recognized by the fashion industry or asked to grace the cover of Vogue. Even fashion is rigged against us," one person wrote.

"OMG and yet they made fun of Melania!! Not model worthy IMHO!" another tweeted.

"And to think Melania Trump wasn’t on a single fashion magazine cover. Once again, the left distorts truth and beauty," a third user wrote.

Some felt that Emhoff only landed the contract because of her stepmother, claiming nepotism is allegedly rampant in the fashion and modeling world. One suggested that it was all about "privilege."

"That's not impressive when she got the contract because of her stepmother's job/fame. Try scouting some fresh talent from the masses for once?" one Twitter user wrote.

"I'm happy for her but the modeling industry has turned into hiring models that are the daughters or stepdaughters of famous people. Nepotism in the modeling industry is a huge problem," a second user wrote.

Meanwhile, others claimed Ella's inauguration outfit, an embellished Miu Miu houndstooth jacket and a high-neck Batsheva burgundy dress with puffed sleeves, had not been that impressive. "Yeah epic fail. So many actual models begging to be seen. The outfit looked like her grandma Velma left it to her in a will but hey do you!" one wrote.

Another joked that there was another person whose outfit during Joe Biden's inauguration went viral and deserves a modeling contract as well. "There were so many fashion moments at the inauguration and she just looked OLD. I prefer Bernie over her. When is Bernie getting signed? LoL," the person said.

Amid the criticisms, other Twitter users also came to Emhoff's defense, insisting that she had nothing to do with politics and should be left out of the political discussions. Some also pointed out that the 22-year-old appeared to suit modeling based on her appearance.

"She’s actually a pretty girl. There are other pictures of her on the Googles that probably fit into your lil box of what pretty is. You don’t have to have blues eyes and blonde hair with a valley girl look to be considered attractive. Grow up," one tweeted, siding with Ella.

"Well, why wouldn’t she. She stunning," another wrote.

"She looks like a lot of the runway models with no makeup. It was smart business on the part of IMG...it's marketing and this young lady will be marketable. She clearly has her own style," a third user added.

And it seems Emhoff, who is currently studying fine art and textiles at the Parsons School of Design in New York, is already showing signs of becoming a future fashion icon. Fashion retailer Lyst reported a 455% spike in searches for Miu Miu within six hours of the inauguration.

Writer and editor Evan Ross Katz also praised Emhoff following the presidential inauguration, calling her "a style icon in the making."

Melania Trump
First Lady Melania Trump is pictured during a meeting with Polish President's wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda (Unseen) at the Belvedere Palace in Warsaw on July 6, 2017. - US President Donald Trump is on his first visit behind the former Iron Curtain. He is expected to focus largely on defence in talks with Baltic, Balkan and central European leaders. ANDRZEJ HULIMKA/AFP via Getty Images