Meet the TikToker Behind Ella Emhoff’s Show-Stopping DNC Dress
Joe Ando, a 28-year-old Fashion Institute of Technology graduate and viral TikToker, had a surreal moment when he saw his creation take center stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). The dress, an elegant pale blue silk off-the-shoulder bodice paired with a hand-ruched tulle midi skirt, became the talk of the night, worn by none other than Ella Emhoff, the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris. The dress wasn’t just another outfit; it represented a new wave of power dressing, blending elegance with modern sophistication.
Ando was modest about his creation, describing the experience as “cool” but acknowledging the significance of seeing it broadcast to millions. “My brain is always under the assumption it’s not that big of a deal,” Ando admitted in an interview with CNN, reflecting on the widespread attention. Yet, the dress was lauded as “White House-worthy” by Highsnobiety and sparked discussions in Vogue about Emhoff’s potential as “America’s next fashion ambassador.”
Creating the dress was no small feat—it took Ando between 70 and 90 hours to complete. His goal was to make Emhoff stand out without overshadowing her natural elegance. He described the dress as a modern take on a princess moment, aiming for a blend of sophistication and charm. Despite the tight schedule, Ando delivered the final piece just hours before Emhoff’s flight to Chicago, seeing the completed look for the first time on live television.
For Ando, this opportunity was a significant milestone. Independent designers like him often go unnoticed on political stages, overshadowed by iconic names like Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta. However, in recent years, there’s been a shift toward supporting emerging talent, a trend reflected in choices made by prominent figures like First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Emhoff herself, a knitwear designer, was deeply involved in the design process, working closely with Ando to ensure every detail met her vision.
Before his DNC breakthrough, Ando had already made a name for himself on TikTok, where he approaches celebrities with the unique proposition of making them a custom dress. His playful, unscripted videos have earned him 2.9 million followers, but behind the scenes, Ando is a serious designer, working with movie studios and record labels to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Although some celebrities shy away from his TikTok antics, many appreciate his talent and dedication.
Despite his growing fame, Ando remains humble, embracing the label “That TikTok Guy” with a sense of humor. He doesn’t seek the recognition that comes with being a high-fashion icon like Rick Owens. Instead, Ando focuses on his craft, hoping that his work speaks for itself. As he prepares to launch his namesake label in Spring 2025, Ando continues to balance his online persona with his real-world aspirations, proving that creativity and hard work can indeed go hand in hand.
