Joe Ando, a 28-year-old Fashion Institute of Technology graduate and viral TikToker, recently made waves in the fashion world when his creation appeared at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). His design, a stunning pale blue silk off-the-shoulder dress paired with a hand-ruched tulle skirt, was worn by none other than Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris. Seeing his work on such a high-profile stage was a surreal moment for Ando, who humbly described the experience as “cool.”

The Dress That Stole the Show

Emhoff’s dress quickly became a focal point of the event. With its delicate yet bold design, the gown was praised by fashion commentators. Highsnobiety, a popular fashion blog, called it “White House-worthy,” while Vogue speculated that Emhoff might be positioning herself as one of America’s next fashion icons. Ando’s goal was to create a dress that made a statement without being over-the-top. “I wanted her to stand out but in a way that was still very elegant and distinguished,” he explained. The design process, which took between 70 to 90 hours, was intended to give Emhoff a “modern princess moment.”

A Last-Minute Design Rush

Due to conflicting schedules, Ando didn’t have much time to perfect the dress. He and Emhoff only managed a fitting at midnight, just hours before her flight to Chicago for the DNC. After the fitting, Ando made several edits and delivered the dress early the next morning. He didn’t see the final product on Emhoff until it was broadcast live on TV, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the moment.

The Importance of Independent Designers in Politics

While high-profile political figures often wear established brands like Ralph Lauren or Oscar de la Renta, Ando’s work represents a growing trend of supporting smaller, independent designers. Emhoff’s decision to wear Ando’s design aligns with a broader movement in political fashion. For example, during the 2021 presidential inauguration, Kamala Harris wore a coat by Pyer Moss, a brand run by Kerby Jean-Raymond, a Black designer known for tackling social issues. Similarly, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden has frequently opted for emerging designers, a move that highlights and supports local talent during difficult times for the fashion industry, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emhoff, who is a knitwear designer herself, was heavily involved in the creative process of her DNC dress. “It was super collaborative,” said Ando. He was impressed with how engaged she was, offering feedback on every detail, from fabric options to skirt silhouettes. “She gave a lot of time to it and was a big part of the design, honestly,” Ando noted.

Ando’s Rise to Fame on TikTok

Before creating this viral dress, Joe Ando was already making a name for himself on TikTok, where he has amassed 2.9 million followers. His TikTok journey began with an innovative approach: filming himself approaching celebrities and offering to design custom dresses for them. His videos feature everyone from Dakota Johnson to Keke Palmer, showcasing a mix of creativity, charm, and sewing skills. His unique content has resonated with his audience, resulting in a strong online following and high-profile design requests.

While his rise has been unconventional, Ando acknowledges that much of his work now comes from direct requests by movie studios and record labels, although he can’t always reveal the identities of his clients. “A lot of celebrities have contracts with big fashion brands, and they have to be careful about what they wear,” he explained. This adds a layer of complexity to his work, as he has to navigate various restrictions while still delivering standout designs.

A Non-Traditional Path in Fashion

Ando’s journey to success didn’t follow the traditional path most designers take. Instead of starting with runway shows and gradually building a client base, he gained recognition through social media and celebrity collaborations. Despite this unconventional route, Ando has built an impressive roster of clients, all while working on his yet-to-be-launched fashion label, which is expected to debut in Spring 2025. “Yeah, we did it flipped,” he said, referring to his atypical rise in the industry.

Even with the spotlight on him, Ando maintains a grounded perspective on his fame. Some people refer to him simply as “That TikTok Guy,” but he doesn’t mind the label. “I don’t need to be Rick Owens,” he said, referencing the famous designer. “I don’t even need you to know my name. I just want you to see the thing and hopefully you appreciate it.”