Ella Devi, a self-described 'socialist socialite', has come under fire for criticising the fashion choices of Jennifer Rauchet, wife of US defence secretary Pete Hegseth, while reportedly wearing expensive designer clothes herself. Devi posted on X about Rauchet's dress, which appeared to be from fast-fashion retailer Shein, costing around $42. The tweet garnered over 6 million views, but critics have pointed out the hypocrisy of a socialist influencer attacking someone for affordable fashion.
The controversy erupted after the White House correspondents' dinner, where Rauchet wore a gown resembling one from Shein. Fashion watchdog Diet Prada also weighed in, highlighting the contradiction between Hegseth's 'America first' policies and his wife's choice of Chinese fast fashion. However, some defended Rauchet, arguing that the left should celebrate affordable clothing rather than criticise it.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer came to Rauchet's defence, stating: 'She looks amazing. I thought the left was about eating the rich? Now you want to dunk on someone who didn't waste $10,000 on a dress.' Sustainable fashion expert Aja Barber noted that the outrage is political point-scoring, but added that clothing should cost more than $40 to ensure fair wages for garment workers.
This is not the first time fashion has been politicised. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez faced backlash for wearing an expensive dress to the Met Gala with the slogan 'Tax the rich', while Melania Trump's $39 Zara jacket caused uproar for its message, not its price. The debate highlights the complex attitudes towards fast fashion, nationalism, and class in political discourse.
