Ella Gross
Ella McKenzie Gross, also known mononymously as Ella, is an American singer, model, and actress based in South Korea. She first began her career as a model at age two and has modeled for fashion brands such as H&M, Levi's, and GAP. As a singer, she debuted as a member of the South Korean girl group Meovv in September 2024, under The Black Label.
Early life
Ella McKenzie Gross was born on December 1, 2008 in Los Angeles, California, and also has a Korean name, Nabi. She is of Korean descent through her mother who hails from South Korea, and of German descent through her father, an American national. Gross has a brother who is two years younger than her. She trained in ballet and mixed martial arts as a child.Career
2011–2023: Modeling career
Cited as a "prodigy" in both modelling and acting, Gross first featured on the cover of a magazine at age two, after she was scouted at a park in South Korea. In this time, her father, a former prosecutor in the military, was dispatched to the country from Los Angeles, leading to the whole family's visit. Her mother, who also previously modelled for children's clothing, positively considered the offer. Following a year and a half after starting kindergarten, Gross resumed her modelling advancements; her mother, who worked as a lawyer, had since assisted her daughter's work along her side. Signed to Lvl Up Management, and later L.A. Models, Gross modelled for brands: Zara, H&M, GAP, Fendi, Levi's, and Tommy Hilfiger; and debuted on the runway at age nine at the Tokyo Girls Collection A/W 2018 fashion show held at Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo, Japan, in front of an audience of 30,000 viewers. Gross thereafter walked the runways of Tokyo Girls Collection S/S 2019 and 2019 New York Fashion Week. In July 2019, she also appeared in a commercial for Baskin Robbins in South Korea.Departing from her former agency, Gross signed with The Black Label in July 2018 to manage her modelling career. Its co-founder, Teddy Park, stated: "She has a special voice that is completely capable for being a singer as well", deeming the potential of joining the music industry. It was also said Rosé of Blackpink had wanted to take a demo song recorded by Gross following a listen. In the midst of her business trips from Los Angeles to South Korea, she further learned dance routines from choreographers in the country. Gross commenced an acting career with the U.S. based company, Monster Talent Management, which also manages the likes of Zendaya and Dylan Minnette.