Ella Gross

Biography

Ella McKenzie Gross (, German: [ɡʁoːs]; born December 1, 2008), 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 (나비). 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 (MMA) as a child.

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. Media reports stated that Rosé of Blackpink had expressed interest in a demo recorded by Gross. 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.

2024–present: Debut with Meovv

In February 2024, a series of leaked photos of The Black Label trainees, rumored to be members of the agency's upcoming girl group, quickly spread online, which notably featured Gross. In the same month, the agency announced its plans to launch a new girl group in the first half of 2024. On August 22, 2024, The Black Label revealed Gross as the first member of their company's first girl group, Meovv, which debuted on September 6.

Public image

Gross attained interest in the United States and abroad for her biracial look, and for her resemblance to a young Miranda Kerr. Korean media outlets cited her as a young Song Hye-kyo, or was nicknamed as "little Jennie" by Blackpink fans following a picture posted with the singer. Her early modeling career and exposure on social media contributed to her gaining over one million followers on Instagram during her childhood. As of May 2026, she has over 4 million followers on Instagram. She has received media attention for her modelling career and fashion industry activities, including campaigns and editorial work for major brands.

Endorsements

In April 2025, she was named a brand ambassador for Miu Miu. In July, she became the endorser of Lotte Chilsung Cider Zero.
In December 2025, she was named global ambassador for American makeup brand, M.A.C .

Philanthropy

Gross has used her platform to address topics including climate change and the war in Ukraine, and served amidst a jury of judges for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) X Uniqlo project entitled "Youth with Refugees Art Contest" in 2023.