Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Attends Met Gala in ‘Tax the Rich’ Gown

New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attended the Met Gala in New York, New York, on September 13, in a gown emblazoned with the words “tax the rich.” Ocasio-Cortez was criticized for attending the luxurious event, and for wearing expensive clothes and jewelry, which critics said belied the message on her gown. Ocasio-Cortez gave context to her choices in a post on Instagram. “The medium is the message. Proud to work with [Aurora James] as a sustainably focused, Black woman immigrant designer who went from starting her dream [Brother Vellies] at a flea market in Brooklyn to winning the [Council of Fashion Designers of America] against all odds – and then work together to kick open the doors at the Met. The time is now for childcare, healthcare, and climate action for all. Tax the Rich. 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. Dress is borrowed via [Brother Vellies].” Video filmed by Jonathan Valdez shows Ocasio-Cortez leaving The Carlyle hotel in New York ahead of the Met Gala on Monday. Credit: @jonathanvaldez via Storyful