Multimedia artist Alexandra Yvette, known for her vegan lifestyle and creative content on TikTok, recently shared a shocking and controversial experience she had in New York City. Her ordeal began when she attempted to enter a speakeasy bar in the city while wearing a vintage mink fur coat from the 1930s. Little did she know that her choice of attire would lead to a heated debate on ethics and fashion.
Alexandra, originally from Venice Beach, California, has a significant following on TikTok, with nearly 200,000 followers. She decided to document her experience in a 59-second video clip, which has since gone viral, garnering over 375,000 views.
In the video, Alexandra expressed her disbelief at being denied entry to the bar due to her fur coat. She humorously stated, “I got kicked out of a bar in New York for wearing fur. And I feel like I didn’t get the memo that wearing fur in New York is, I guess, really offensive.” The incident left her both shocked and confused, prompting her to question her own moral stance.
Alexandra is a self-proclaimed vegan who believes it’s ethically acceptable to wear vintage fur, as it prevents it from going to waste and avoids the need to purchase new faux fur items. She clarified her position by saying, “I know some people don’t agree with that, but personally, it’s never bothered me. I would never buy a fur coat new.”
Despite her justification, the doorman at the speakeasy remained steadfast in his decision to deny her entry solely based on her fur coat. Alexandra recalled the exchange, saying, “I walked up to this bar, a speakeasy, and the man was like: ‘Is your coat real?’ and I was like, ‘Yes, it’s real, it’s really old, it’s from the ’30s.’” To her surprise, he responded with, “That doesn’t matter, fur is not allowed here. You need to leave.” Alexandra couldn’t believe it and asked, “Really?” to which he bluntly replied, “Yes, please go.”
This incident ignited a passionate debate on social media. Many people rushed to Alexandra’s defense, arguing that wearing vintage fur is more ethical than letting it go to waste or buying new faux fur products. Some users even shared their own stories of how they had shifted their mindset regarding fur and leather after being staunch vegans for years.
One supporter stated, “I think vintage fur is more ethical than faux fur,” while another shared, “I had a vegan ex who wouldn’t even sit on a leather couch while at a relative’s holiday party. People take it too far! Keep wearing the coat.” Alexandra herself responded, “I agree and actually shifted this mindset after being an anti-fur vegan for 10 years haha.”
Another user reassured Alexandra that she was doing nothing wrong, emphasizing, “That is ridiculous. We have landfills of clothing; it is perfectly fine to wear a vintage fur coat.” Others chimed in, with one passionately stating, “I am so over people not understanding that rewearing vintage fur is extremely ethical.”
However, not everyone sided with Alexandra. Some argued that it’s common for bars, clubs, and speakeasies in NYC to have dress codes, and therefore, her rejection wasn’t unusual. It became evident that while Alexandra’s experience had sparked a spirited discussion, there was no consensus on the ethical considerations surrounding vintage fur.
The incident raised broader questions about ethics, sustainability, and fashion choices. It serves as a reminder that fashion choices can be deeply personal and provoke strong reactions, even in an era where ethical and sustainable fashion is increasingly in the spotlight.
In conclusion, Alexandra Yvette’s experience at a New York speakeasy, where she was denied entry for wearing a vintage fur coat, has ignited a passionate debate about ethics and fashion. While some supported her choice, arguing that vintage fur is more ethical than faux fur, others defended the establishment’s dress code policies. This incident highlights the complexity of ethical fashion choices and the diverse perspectives that surround them.