Ella Devi: The 18-Year-Old Fashion Intern Becoming a Right-Wing Media Bogeyman

In the increasingly polarized landscape of online discourse, 18-year-old New York City fashion intern Ella Devi has emerged as an unlikely, yet potent, figure of contention, drawing the ire of right-wing media outlets for her candid analyses of fashion through a progressive political lens. What began as a burgeoning online presence discussing style has, for Devi, evolved into a public debate where her critiques of political figures’ sartorial choices are amplified and, according to her, deliberately mischaracterized.

Devi first gained national attention last year, not through her own self-identification, but via a label bestowed upon her by the New York Post. Dubbed a "hot girl for Zohran," the moniker was attached to her during her involvement in the campaign of Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for New York City mayor. Despite her active participation in the campaign, the Post seized upon a minor incident—her alleged failure to recognize actor Wallace Shawn on the campaign trail—to frame her, and by extension, Mamdani’s supporters, in a critical light. This early instance set a precedent for how her public persona would be portrayed by certain segments of the media.

More recently, Devi’s sharp commentary on the fashion choices at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner catapulted her into a new wave of media scrutiny. Through posts on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), Devi meticulously detailed the origins of prominent attendees’ attire. She revealed that Erika Kirk’s gown was purchased from a Saks Fifth Avenue clearance rack, while Jennifer Rauchet, wife of Fox News host Pete Hegseth, opted for a dress sourced from the budget e-commerce platform Temu. These observations, presented with her characteristic blend of fashion critique and political commentary, triggered a swift and aggressive response. The New York Post once again targeted her, while the Daily Mail dedicated both an online article and a full-page spread in its print edition to Devi, labeling the 18-year-old a "Lefty ‘Cheap’ Shot."

The intensity of this criticism has, however, not deterred Devi. "They keep trying to character assassinate me, but it’s not working—they’re making me sound cool," she stated in an interview, reflecting on the backlash. Her content, which often oscillates between personal life as a fashion intern in New York City and incisive political commentary, consistently garners hundreds of thousands, and sometimes millions, of views across platforms like TikTok. Devi’s online presence is characterized by a diverse range of topics, including discussions on the alleged history of designer Elena Velez as a "far right bigot," an analysis of the "looksmaxxing" trend in relation to Demna’s Gucci debut, an explanation of why Republicanism and the style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy are incompatible, and bold declarations such as "Abolishing ICE is the moderate position." The fact that Devi has chosen not to disclose the specific brand where she interns speaks volumes about the persistent harassment she has faced from conservative circles.

The Intersection of Fashion and Politics

Devi’s work operates at the nexus of two seemingly disparate worlds: the aspirational realm of high fashion and the often-contentious arena of political ideology. Her ability to weave these together has resonated with a significant online following, but it has also made her a target for those who believe such commentary is either inappropriate or politically motivated.

"Fashion and politics are the two things I’m always thinking about," Devi explained. "At this point, I should tattoo ‘fashion is political’ on my forehead." This sentiment underscores her core belief that clothing is not merely an aesthetic choice but a form of social signaling, deeply intertwined with an individual’s values and political stance. Her approach challenges the notion that one can engage with fashion in a vacuum, separate from the broader socio-political context.

Her self-styled persona as a "socialist socialite" has also drawn considerable attention, a label she adopted from a joke made when she was 15. While some critics question the compatibility of professing left-wing politics while engaging with luxury fashion, Devi maintains that these aspects are not mutually exclusive. She advocates for a nuanced understanding, suggesting that awareness of high fashion does not negate progressive ideals. "I want the girls to know their Givenchy and their Gramsci!" she quipped, highlighting her desire to bridge these worlds.

Background and Evolution of Devi’s Online Presence

Ella Devi, an 18-year-old New York City native, has cultivated a significant online presence by dissecting the interplay between fashion and politics. Her journey into this public sphere began with her involvement in the Zohran Mamdani mayoral campaign, where the New York Post controversially labeled her a "hot girl for Zohran." This early media attention, though framed negatively, introduced her to a wider audience and foreshadowed the critical scrutiny she would later face.

Her recent commentary on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner attire, particularly her observations about Erika Kirk’s Saks clearance gown and Jennifer Rauchet’s Temu dress, generated substantial online debate. These posts, disseminated across TikTok and X, sparked a retaliatory media storm, with the New York Post and Daily Mail publishing critical pieces that sought to discredit her. The Daily Mail, in particular, ran a full-page article characterizing her as a "Lefty ‘Cheap’ Shot."

Devi’s content extends beyond critiques of political figures. Her TikTok feed features videos exploring various facets of fashion and politics, such as the controversial designer Elena Velez’s past, the concept of "looksmaxxing" in the context of high fashion, and the perceived incongruity of Republicanism with the aesthetic of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. She has also used her platform to advocate for policy changes, with a viral post asserting that "Abolishing ICE is the moderate position." Interspersed with these political discussions is content reflecting her life as a fashion intern in New York City, a detail she keeps intentionally vague to mitigate further online harassment.

The "Socialist Socialite" Phenomenon

The label "socialist socialite," which Devi has used as her Twitter bio since she was 15, has become a focal point for criticism and fascination. She views it as an inherently ironic statement, one that a teenager might conceive, and expresses amusement and concern at how seriously it is taken by some. This self-aware branding highlights her playful yet pointed engagement with societal expectations and political identities.

"It’s been my Twitter bio since I was 15," Devi shared. "Truly, it is something only a 15-year-old could think of. I didn’t realise it would be so blown out of proportion! It’s equal parts hilarious and concerning to me when people take it at face value."

Fashion as Political Signaling

Devi firmly believes that fashion serves as a potent form of social signaling, making it inherently political. "You study fashion to study human behaviour," she asserted. "It’s quite annoying to me when people suggest you dress yourself in a vacuum separate from our political climate. Everything you wear acts as a form of social signalling." This perspective challenges the conventional separation of fashion from political discourse, arguing that sartorial choices are never neutral.

Her academic background further informs her perspective. As an English & Philosophy student at Parsons, Devi has been immersed in critical thinking and the analysis of human behavior, which she now applies to her fashion commentary. She has been involved in the fashion industry since the age of 14, gaining early experience with a small, now-defunct brand that had notable talent placements, including Addison Rae and SZA. This early exposure solidified her passion for the industry, though she never initially envisioned a career in it.

Navigating the Industry and the Future

Devi’s engagement with the fashion world is also shaped by her reliance on a strong professional network, which she primarily cultivates on Twitter. She values the guidance she receives from experienced women in the industry, many of whom have been working in fashion since before she was a pre-teen. This support system is crucial in an industry that can be particularly challenging for young women. "This industry is rough for young women, and it’s nice to have some industry elders in your corner," she commented, acknowledging their mentorship.

Her fashion icons include literary figure Joan Didion and the chic Rama Duwaji. Her personal style is often described as ironic and exaggerated, drawing inspiration from early 2010s teenage aesthetics, vintage Marc Jacobs, old Red Valentino lookbooks, and the sartorial extravagance of Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl.

Looking ahead, Devi anticipates continued media attention, particularly from right-wing outlets. "Given that I undergo a right wing smear campaign every six months, in five years I’ll probably have ten more smear campaigns under my belt," she mused, demonstrating a resilient and forward-looking perspective in the face of ongoing controversy. Her trajectory suggests that the intersection of fashion, politics, and online influence will continue to be a defining characteristic of her public career, as she navigates the complexities of a polarized media environment.

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an annual event held in Washington, D.C., typically brings together journalists, politicians, and media personalities for a formal dinner and speeches. Established in 1920, its primary purpose is to support the White House Correspondents’ Association scholarship fund and to foster relationships between the press and the executive branch. However, in recent years, the event has also become a notable platform for celebrity appearances and, consequently, for fashion commentary, often drawing attention to the sartorial choices of public figures. The juxtaposition of serious political discourse with the glamour and scrutiny of red carpet fashion has made it a fertile ground for cultural critique, a space that Ella Devi has adeptly occupied.

The conservative media’s response to Devi’s commentary can be contextualized within a broader trend of right-wing media figures often being subject to fashion critiques, sometimes with partisan undertones. Similarly, progressive figures and events are frequently scrutinized for perceived excesses or perceived political messaging embedded in their style choices. Devi’s emergence highlights how online platforms have democratized fashion commentary, allowing individuals outside traditional media circles to gain influence and challenge established narratives, albeit at the risk of significant backlash. Her case underscores the evolving nature of media influence and the increasing role of young content creators in shaping public discourse on a variety of issues, including the often-overlooked political dimensions of fashion.