Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Literally Said “Tax the Rich” With Her Chic Off-the-Shoulder Met Gala Dress

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez showed up to Monday’s Met Gala (surprise!) with Brother Vellies designer Aurora James in a white off-the-shoulder gown featuring a tulle skirt…and the giant words “TAX THE RICH” in red on the back. Yes, she did that.

AOC worked with James on the design, and she spoke to Ilana Glazer on the Vogue livestream about the experience: “We really started having a conversation about what it means to be working-class women of color at the Met. We said we can’t just play along, we need to break the fourth wall and challenge some of the institutions. While the Met is known for its spectacle, we should have a conversation about it.”

James is known for creating the 15 Percent Pledge, a call to retailers everywhere to dedicate 15 percent of shelf space to Black-owned businesses, brands, and designers. Stores like Sephora, Macy’s, and Gap have already committed to the important initiative, and because of her activism, it makes total sense that the designer and Ocasio-Cortez partnered up to make a political statement at the Met Gala.

The progressive congresswoman has always been outspoken about economic inequality, so while the message on her gown is not new for her, it still was a different way of, well, delivering it. She posed on the red carpet with an over-the-shoulder look so she could really show it off…especially in front of the star-studded (and wealthy) guests like Kris Jenner, who was in the background of this video, lol.

You Might Also Like

• A Cleaning Expert Explains the Best Way to Clean Cloth Face Masks After You Wear Them — Good Housekeeping

• 35 Delicious Pantry Recipes That Use What's Already in Your Cabinets and Freezer — Good Housekeeping

• The Amish keep to themselves. And they’re hiding a horrifying secret. — Cosmopolitan