Nobel Prize Nominee Reveals How Neiman Marcus Refused to Sell Her a Dress Because She’s Asian

The 27-year-old Asian-American founder of the Non-Government Organization Rise revealed in an Instagram post that Neiman Marcus staff refused to sell her a dress.

The social media post resurfaced after Filipino-American writer J. Maraan retweeted it.

“In case this helps anyone out there – a note about my Nobel Peace Prize nomination dress. When I went to buy it at Neiman Marcus they refused to let me buy it. When I asked why, they said they didn’t take cards like mine. (It’s a MasterCard),” Nguyen wrote in her Instagram post. “Neiman Marcus didn’t think that someone who looks like me could afford a dress like that. I ended up sitting in a coffee shop next to Neiman Marcus buying that dress online from my phone.”

“I’ve been getting inundated with positive messages of love and support but I also want to share with you the reality that goes along with it too,” she continued. “For so many marginalized members of our community, it does not matter how much money we make or how successful we can be – one can be nominated for a Nobel and still experience this racism, sexism, ageism.”

Nguyen was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by California representatives Mimi Walters and Zoe Lofgren to celebrate her “unprecedented efforts in bringing equal protection under the law and basic human rights to all survivors of sexual assault, regardless of geography.”

She also recently testified on Capitol Hill along with actor Terry Crews to help encourage other states to adopt the bill, which was only passed in 14 states, including Maryland, Utah, and New York.

“We’ve got a long way to go and for any women of color, woman, person of color out there I just want to let you know you’re not alone,” she said in her social media post. “Just keep going.”

Featured Image via Instagram / amandangocnguyen