Met Gala 2021: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 'Tax The Rich' Dress Met With Criticism

New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known by her initials AOC, has made the most of her Met Gala attendance to send an important political message, but many people on social media are not convinced.

The politician hit the event's red carpet Monday night donning a floor-length white gown with the message "Tax the Rich" inscribed in bold red on its back. During her red carpet interview, AOC revealed the story behind her Met Gala outfit, which was created by renowned Canadian fashion designer Aurora James.

"When Aurora and I were first kind of partnered, we really started having a conversation about what it means to be working-class women of color at the Met, and we said, 'We can't just play along, but we need to break the fourth wall and challenge some of the institutions,'" she explained. "While the Met is known for its spectacle, we should have a conversation about it."

Despite her intent, AOC's presence at the over-the-top event was met with criticism on social media, with some questioning the integrity of her message.

"Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attending the $35,000-a-ticker #MetGala in a Brother Vellies gown blaring 'Tax the Rich' is a complicated proposition," New York Times fashion critic Vanessa Friedman wrote in a tweet.

"A table at the Met Gala costs around $275,000 and an individual ticket costs $30,000. If @AOC hates the rich so much, why is she attending an event that only the wealthiest people in America can afford to attend? I wonder if any journalists will do their job and ask her," journalist David Hookstead tweeted.

The annual Met Gala is attended by rich celebrities and fashion designers every year and tickets for the event reportedly cost $35,000 each. The tables, which are usually sponsored by companies, range between $200,000 and $300,000. Proceeds from the gala are used to support the Met's Costume Institute.

Meanwhile, James, who designed AOC's Met Gala gown, is a high-profile designer who founded the luxury Brooklyn-based clothing company Brother Vellies. She has championed a pledge for retailers to dedicate 15% of shelf space to Black-owned businesses.

"We can never get too comfortable in our seats at the table once they've been given," she said in an interview with Vogue last year.