Emily O’Hara Ratajkowski, who describes herself as of Polish-Israeli descent, was born to American parents on June 7, 1991, in Westminster, London, England.
In May 2025, she reminded fans of her effortless cool-girl style while filming a Gucci campaign on the French Riviera.
Emily Ratajkowski embraced retro glamour in a headscarf, wide-leg trousers, and brown Gucci platform mules featuring the brand’s signature GG monogram and horsebit detail while filming a campaign during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2025 (Credit: Alessandro Bremec / IPA / INSTARimages)
For Gucci’s latest collection, the House’s emblematic codes are reimagined in contemporary form, blending heritage with modern elegance. The wedge sandal Emily Ratajkowski wore in Cannes is crafted from beige and dark brown GG canvas, featuring the brand’s iconic Horsebit in a light gold-toned finish.
With leather lining, a sleek leather sole, and a 4.1-inch heel, the Italian-made design offers both luxury and lift. The high platform helped elongate Emily’s 5 feet 5.5 inches (166.4 cm) frame, enhancing the leg-lengthening effect of her wide-leg trousers. This statement sandal is available at retailers like Nordstrom and Mytheresa.
View this post on Instagram
Emily Ratajkowski’s Family Background and Multicultural Heritage
Her mother, Kathleen Balgley, is a professor, and her father, J. D. Ratajkowski, is an art teacher and painter. Despite being born in the U.K., Emily was raised in San Diego, California, from a young age.
She has a diverse ethnic background, with her heritage being 25% Polish and 25% Ashkenazi Jewish. The remaining 50% is a mix of Irish, complemented by some German and English roots and a distant trace of Welsh ancestry.
Emily Ratajkowski stuns in a sheer, tiered black lace dress while walking with her mother, Kathleen Balgley, who was raised Catholic and later embraced her Jewish heritage (Credit: Daniel Robertson / Startraksphoto)
Emily’s father boasts half-Polish ancestry. His other ethnic roots include Irish, German, English, and even a touch of distant Welsh heritage. On the maternal side, Emily’s grandfather was a Polish Jewish immigrant, while her grandmother had Irish and German origins.
Both of Emily’s parents were raised in the Catholic faith. Interestingly, Emily’s mother discovered her father’s Jewish heritage as an adult, leading her to embrace Judaism. Emily’s mother’s teaching at a Jewish school further exemplifies this connection to Judaism.
Does Emily Ratajkowski speak Polish?
No, she only speaks a few words of Polish. On September 30, 2013, Emily Ratajkowski took to Twitter to respond to a user who asked about her knowledge of Polish.
Emily also revealed that her favorite book is Super Sad True Love Story, the third novel by Soviet-born American writer Gary Shteyngart, which can be bought on Amazon.
She tweeted, “@yashodara2045 I only know a few words in Polish! I wish I spoke fluently. My favorite book is ‘Super Sad True Love Story.’ Thanks for the support!”
Emily Ratajkowski indicated that she only knows a few words in Polish and expressed a wish to speak the language fluently (Credit: Emily Ratajkowski’s Twitter)
Emily Ratajkowski sets the record straight by pronouncing her last name. In a February 2023 video on the Tory Burch official TikTok page, when questioned about the correct way to say her surname, the model promptly clarified, saying it’s “Rat-ah-COF-sky.”
@toryburch Replying to @emrata she’s right! We’ve got the receipts 🧾 #TikTokFashion #NYFW #ToryBurch #ToryBurchFW23 #EmilyRatajkowski ♬ original sound – Tory Burch
The interviewer’s surprised reaction was simply, “Oh my God.” Emily, who has identified her lineage as “Polish-Israeli,” emphasized, “I’m Polish. That’s the pronunciation.”
This explanation came after Emily had hinted at the correct pronunciation by commenting, “It’s 🐀🐄🎿everyone! Liana and I are both Eastern European, so I was being playful! This is how you say it in Polish!”
While Emily Ratajkowski is often known for her bold, skin-baring style, she occasionally surprises fans with more modest yet equally striking fashion moments.
Emily Ratajkowski Covers Up in Modest Red Outfit for Marie Claire’s Fresh Faces Event
Emily Ratajkowski wears Alison Lou Girl Power single huggy hoop earring with a metal red Isabel Marant Daren top at Marie Claire’s “Fresh Faces” in West Hollywood on April 21, 2017 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
We’re so accustomed to seeing Emily Ratajkowski baring her skin that it’s a bit of a surprise when she covers up, though, somehow, she still exudes sex appeal.
Emily Ratajkowski flaunted her legs in a striking Isabel Marant Doll mini skirt, showcasing her signature captivating charm (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
In April 2017, the iCarly actress still caught our attention as she went modest for Marie Claire’s “Fresh Faces” event in an all-red outfit.
Emily Ratajkowski displays her feet in red Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Emily proved that you don’t have to show skin to be sexy, though we’re pretty sure she looks sexy no matter what.
Emily Ratajkowski went matchy-matchy with a red pair of Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
The Blurred Lines actress wore a two-piece bow-detailed outfit by Isabel Marant, consisting of the “Daren” top and “Doll” skirt in metallic red leather.
Emily Ratajkowski added the final touch to her look with an Edie Parker embossed clutch (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Emily finished her look with a reptile print-embossed Rebekah clutch by Edie Parker and a pair of Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals in red suede. You can shop Emily’s red-hot Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals at Nordstrom and Zappos.
The actress kept her makeup simple to balance out the intense colors.
Emily Ratajkowski went for a nude makeup look to balance out her red ensemble (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
We love that Emily can look sexy without showing too much skin. For her, a little bit of leg goes a long way.
Overall, we love her Isabel Marant look. The buckled skirt and knotted waist flowed seamlessly, and the loose sleeves balanced out the tight midsection.
Emily Ratajkowski’s Most Stylish Shoe Moments
From red carpets to city streets, Emily Ratajkowski consistently turns heads with her bold fashion choices and standout footwear. Here are some of her most memorable style moments:
Emily Ratajkowski Dazzles in Vintage Versace at the 2024 Met Gala
- Event: 2024 Met Gala
- Outfit: Emily stunned in a sheer, crystal-embellished vintage Versace gown, embracing the ‘naked dress’ trend.
- Footwear: She completed the look with strappy metallic heels, adding to the ensemble’s ethereal vibe.
- Read more: Emily Ratajkowski’s daring Versace look at the 2024 Met Gala
Emily Ratajkowski Showcases Chic Street Style in NYC
- Event: Summer 2024 NYC Outings
- Outfit: Emily embraced casual elegance with oversized shirts and low-rise pants.
- Footwear: She opted for chunky black Axel Arigato Delta Eva sandals, blending comfort with style.
- See more: Emily Ratajkowski’s breezy summer street style in NYC
Emily Ratajkowski Flaunts Legs in Sequined Roberto Cavalli Mini Dress
- Event: 2017 Leather & Laces Party
- Outfit: Emily turned heads in a multicolor abstract sequined mini dress with sheer panel detailing.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with classic black ankle-strap sandals, highlighting her toned legs.
- Discover more: Emily Ratajkowski’s dazzling Cavalli mini dress at Super Bowl party
Emily Ratajkowski Embraces Dadcore Style in Fall Outfits
- Event: Fall 2023 NYC Outings
- Outfit: Emily showcased ’90s dadcore aesthetics with trench coats and leather outerwear.
- Footwear: She completed her looks with knee-high boots and classic sneakers, blending retro and modern styles.
- Explore her style: Emily Ratajkowski’s chic dadcore-inspired fall outfits
These moments highlight Emily Ratajkowski’s versatility and boldness in fashion, solidifying her status as a style icon.