Influencer Ella Devi has been called out over her online moniker 'the socialist socialite' as she drapes herself in expensive vintage clothes made by high-end designers like Chanel and flaunts her lavish life in New York City.
Background and Viral Rise
Devi, 18, who works for designer LaQuan Smith, first went viral this fall while she was campaigning for Democratic socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and was dubbed as 'hot girl for Zohran' at the time. On her TikTok account, which boasts over 34,600 followers, she often posts videos showcasing her outfits, as well as her left-wing views.
Controversial Content
In a recent video, she wrote that abolishing ICE was a 'moderate position,' while another showed her explaining why you cannot be a Republican and dress like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Most recently, she landed a spot on Her Campus' 22 Under 22 Awards, which spotlights college students who 'are shaping the world on their own terms.' She also went viral on X for commenting on Sydney Sweeney's fashion choices during the new season of Euphoria.
The Contradiction of a 'Socialist Socialite'
While she goes by 'the socialist socialite,' she often is seen wearing vintage designer pieces worth thousands of dollars. On her TikTok, she has been seen donning items from designers Miu Miu, Chanel, Tom Ford and Valentino, amongst others. Her account caught the attention of popular NYC Influencer Snark Reddit this week, as someone shared her X post about Sweeney.
Reddit Backlash
'She’s been hating MAGA Barbie Sydney Sweeney which I don't give a f**k, but to act like she’s the best dressed in NYC just because her wardrobe is vintage is laughable,' the Reddit user wrote. 'Not with that big a** Chanel bag,' they added, also sharing a screenshot of Devi toting a very dramatic white Chanel purse. In the comment section, many seemed to agree, with some writing that being a 'socialist socialite' while wearing designer goods was quite the contradiction.
'Socialist socialite lmao,' one Reddit user wrote sarcastically. Another added: 'How does one call themselves a socialist though while simultaneously being deeply invested in status and exclusivity. The tone of her tweets is very pretentious.' 'Don’t care for Sweeny but this is corny,' someone else typed. A different user commented: 'It’s the most absurd identity and not in a quite tongue in cheek way.'
Supportive Voices
Others, however, were in support of Devi, especially for her political views. 'Eh I’d rather have this then another MAGA Barbie to be honest, maybe she’ll influence some young girls,' one commenter on Reddit typed. Another seconded, 'I love her other takes, she's super antiracist and feminist in an industry that really needs it. This is much pettier than what she usually posts! She doesn't deserve the snark as a teenager.'
