U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) walked the red carpet at the Met Gala 2021 on Monday night, Sept. 13 in a white dress bearing a strong message in red letters. 'Tax the Rich' read the phrase emblazoned across her dress as she ran across the event's red carpet, drawing the attention of those in attendance.

The off-the-shoulder dress was an original design by Brother Vellies, a brand founded in 2013 based in New York.

Ocasio-Cortez has shown that her passion for fashion can go hand-in-hand with her political stances. 

The oft-vocal Democratic congresswoman from the Bronx explained to reporters at the event that she decided to bring her message to the Met Gala since it is attended by many of Hollywood's wealthiest personalities.

"When we talk about supporting working families and when we talk about having a fair tax code, often this conversation happens among working and middle-class people (in) the Senate. I think it's time we bring all classes into the conversation," AOC said.

The congresswoman was joined on the red carpet by Aurora James, creative director of Brother Vellies, and leader of the 15% Pledge initiative, which urges retailers and corporations to commit 15% of their purchasing power to support African-descent-owned businesses. The firm seeks to maintain African fashion traditions and techniques through an artisanal and sustainable model of fashion making. 

The trend of dressing with meaningful messages on red carpets has allowed many artists and important people to be clear about their positions, and put some "uncomfortable" issues on the table to start a discussion.