It’s the first Met Gala for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), and the representative absolutely did not waste her moment. She’s in a white Brother Vellies dress (with matching Brother Vellies shoes and mask), according to Vogue, with the back reading in bright red lettering, “Tax the rich.” It’s very much in line with her policies and also an impressively impactful statement, given the visibility of the event. Her bag repeated the messaging, just in case we missed it the first time. I love her.
Fans on Twitter also loved it and were impressed—particularly that she chose the high fashion, star-studded event to do it: “AOC wearing this dress at an event full of rich people … this woman has more balls than any man in Congress.” And “AOC wearing a Tax the Rich dress at the #MetGala with Kris Jenner over her shoulder wow icon.”
According to more twitter users, there’s another, more subtle message in her look: She’s also wearing a flor de maga (the national flower of Puerto Rico). AOC has advocated for Puerto Rico in the past, including civil rights and disaster relief.
After some called her a hypocrite for condemning wealth inequality at the lavish, star-studded red-carpet event, the New York congresswoman defended her decision Monday to attend the gala wearing a floor-length white gown with “Tax the Rich” written on the back in bold, red letters.
“The medium is the message,” Ocasio-Cortez captioned an Instagram photo of herself and designer Aurora James showing off their controversial collaboration. “The time is now for childcare, healthcare, and climate action for all. …
“And yes, BEFORE anybody starts wilding out — NYC elected officials are regularly invited to and attend the Met due to our responsibilities in overseeing our city’s cultural institutions that serve the public. I was one of several in attendance.”
Another twitter user wrote, “In the spirit of solidarity, I vow to wear my mask the same way that AOC wore hers at the Met Gala.”
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is truly an inspiration to everyone around the world and she deserves admiration.
