Met Gala 2021 red carpet – AOC wears ‘tax the rich’ dress at event as Dan Levy and Kim Kardashian stun on themed night

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When asked by CNN about the price tag on AOC's dress, James said she's still working on calculating the cost but added that a lot of "salvaged material" was used to make the gown.

AOC ON HER ICONIC DRESS

AOC also responded to the criticism with an Instagram post where she poses with her white gown alongside James.

The congresswoman wrote: "The medium is the message. Proud to work with @aurorajames as a sustainably focused, Black woman immigrant designer who went from starting her dream @brothervellies at a flea market in Brooklyn to winning the @cfda 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," she added.

AOC continued: "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 @brothervellies 🤗"

AURORA JAMES ON THE BACKLASH OF AOC'S DRESS

Not everyone took 's political statement kindly, as the Bronx native was ripped for attending the elite Met Gala, where a ticket costs about $33,000 per person.

On September 14, James responded to the backlash on , supporting AOC's decision to wear the dress at the elite event.

"Well, listen, I think ultimately a lot of these conversations that we have about economic justice usually happen in spaces with working-class people.

"And I think the congresswoman is not going to ever sacrifice her morals for comfort, and she wanted to make sure this message was brought into that room and into a group of people who ultimately have to be willing to be more liberal with their economic values as well," James told the outlet.

"I think that's what we've done, and to be honest with you, she wouldn't have attended and just worn a pretty gown without delivering any kind of message to people.

"Fashion is often thought of as this frivolous thing, but ultimately, in my brand, and a lot of other designers, we use it as a really powerful tool for communication, especially women of color," she added.

WHO DESIGNED AOC'S DRESS?

Ocasio-Cortez's "tax the rich" dress was an apparent dig at Joy Villa's 2019 "build the wall" gown.

The 31-year-old politician made a political statement through her wardrobe choice during fashion's biggest night of the year at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Ocasio-Cortez was accompanied by the dress designer herself, Aurora James, at the event.

James is a Canadian creative director and fashion designer who founded the fashion label Brother Vellies in 2013.

For James, the goal of Brother Vellies is to keep traditional African design practices and techniques alive.

In 2020, James founded the 15 Percent Pledge as a non-profit organization to support Black-owned businesses.

Artists, celebrities, artists, and musicians have worn Brother Vellies, including , Solange Knowles,  and .

BILLIE STUNS IN HUGE GOWN

Billie Eilish turned heads in a huge blush gown with a flowing train.

AOC SPEAKS OUT

Representative AOC describes her daring statement on her white dress from last night.

DAN LEVY MAKES A STATEMENT

Schitts Creek actor sported a map covered ensemble that featured two men kissing on his chest, which was designed by JW Anderson.

He shared an Instagram photo of the iconic outfit writing, “A big heartfelt thank you to @cartier for so generously welcoming and accessorizing me tonight."

“What I’ve so long admired about the Costume Institute is its commitment to educate and inspire people through fashion.

“I was fortunate enough to also get to work with @jonathan.anderson and the incredible team of designers and craftspeople at @loewe on a look that meant something to all of us.

"With support from the estate of American multimedia artist and LGBTQIA+ activist, David Wojnarovicz (1954-1992), Jonathan and the design team built upon an image of two men kissing from Wojnarovicz’s work, F--- You F----- F-----, named after a homophobic cartoon the artist had come across.”

MEGAN FOX STUNS

Following her jaw-dropping look at the VMA's, Megan Fox stepped out in a strappy red dress for the Met Gala.

WHO WAS KIM'S MASKED DATE?

The 's star made her first appearance last night since her ex confessed to "cheating" during their marriage.

There was much speculation that the masked man was in fact Kim's ex-husband , however an  insider squashed the rumors.

Though the rapper was not present for fashion's biggest evening, the source claimed that "His presence will be felt on the carpet."

"It was him who introduced Kim to Demna and was instrumental in the newly formed relationship between her and Balenciaga," they explained, referencing Kim's new journey in fashion.

"This look on Kim is like a new subculture and fashion statement. No logo, no face, but everyone knows it's her."

They continued: "Kanye gave her the courage to push creativity and people's imagination through art. It's the ultimate confidence."

KYLIE DID NOT ATTEND

Meanwhile Khloe's younger sibling 

The mom-to-be again admitted she's "so sad" she won't be there.

, 24, shared snaps from her past Met Gala appearances in her Instagram Stories.

She added: "I'm so sad I couldn't make it this year. I can't wait to see all the looks."

KHLOE'S CRYPTIC COMMENT

Khloe added fuel to the speculation  on the eve of the prestigious event.

The model took to her Instagram Stories to share a "sad" message reflecting her feelings about being .

The post read: "Good morning. Today we are staying hydrated, meditating, ignoring people who makes us sad and communicating our feelings. Now go be great."

KHLOE BANNED FROM MET GALA

It was previously reported how 

While her sisters Kim, Kendall and Kylie frequent the red carpet event, the fellow  alum did not receive an invite.

, 37, has reportedly been barred from the star-studded evening at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art for not being famous enough.

She and sister , 42, have apparently yet to be sent an invite to the prestigious bash, which even their mom  has appeared at previously.

Sources have revealed Khloe as she is unable to compete with the host of modelling, film and music stars.

Vogue's Editor in Chief  is said to regard the reality TV favorite as "too C-list" for the red carpet.

KIM'S CAT SUIT

Meanwhile, not forgetting elder sister 's striking full-face catsuit, the mom of one re-posted a series of images from her profile.

It was in fact the first black Balenciaga catsuit Kim would wear of the night, following up in a .

KHLOE GUSHES OVER SISTERS

The Good American fashion brand founder, 37, was left to trawl the snaps from the  at home, and was clearly finding it emotional.

Khloe took to her Instagram Stories to upload a shot of half-sibling Kendall Jenner dazzling in her plunging sheer sequin gown with matching collar, and commented: "Ate that up."

She then added: "I'm not OK" alongside an image of the Victoria's Secret catwalk queen striking a pose on the steps.

ELLIOT PAGE SHINES IN SUIT

After taking time to pose on the red carpet,  star, 34, enjoyed a chat with Game of Thrones alum Kit Harington and wife Rose Leslie.

ELLIOT PAGE MAKES RED CARPET DEBUT

The star, who came out as transgender in December, looked smart in a black suit paired with a crisp white shirt.

He added a pop of color with an intriguing green rose, positioned in his top pocket.

According to  magazine, the flower is a longstanding queer symbol dating back to the 19th century.

It has links to author Oscar Wilde who, in 1982, is said to have asked his friends to wear the green carnation adornment in the lapel of their jacket.

As such, it became linked with supporters of homosexuality, as same sex relationships were banned at the time.

FRANK OCEAN'S GREEN ROBOT BABY

Adding to his ensemble, the "Thinkin Bout You" singer sported a necklace from Homer at the Met Gala on September 13.

He also donned a black cap printed with the word Dreamcore and an image of a man fishing from the moon, akin to the DreamWorks Pictures logo.

And his date, a slime green robot baby with sparkling grills, was decked out in a onesie printed with a pattern from Homer's selection of silk scarves.

It's not clear why Frank decided to bring the green baby to the event - but it appeared to be a good opportunity to showcase his new brand.

Vogue dubbed the singer the "chicest daddy of the 2021 Met Gala".

Frank treated the little creature as if it were a real baby, cooing and cradling it.

On the red carpet during an interview with Keke Palmer, Frank said: "He’s starstruck, I’m starstruck."

CHANNING TATUM AND ZOE KRAVITZ GET CLOSE

The pair, who have been  initially posed separately for pictures on the glitzy Red Carpet in New York.

Yet after the event Step Up star Channing, 41, who looked sharp in a black tux, was seen appearing to support Zoe's hand with his arm as he guided her down the stairs.

The actress, 32, sizzled in a sheer Saint Laurent chain dress paired with a silver G string.

She finished off her sexy look by scraping her brunette locks in a chic bun hairstyle.

The pair put on an affectionate display as they headed down the steps to their hotel.

RED CARPET LOOKS: SEE SOME OF THE OUTFITS FROM THE MET GALA

Stars showed up in style at the 2021 Met Gala.

DID KANYE WEST ATTEND THE MET GALA?

It's still a little unclear whether or not Kanye West attended the Met Gala with ex-wife .

A source told  he didn't attend the event and that the person attending with Kim in black ensembles that covered their faces was actually designer Demna Gvasalia.

"It was him who introduced Kim to Demna and was instrumental in the newly formed relationship between her and Balenciaga," the source told E! about Kanye.

"This look on Kim is like a new subculture and fashion statement. No logo, no face, but everyone knows it's her."

DID RIHANNA ATTEND THE MET GALA?

Rihanna did go to the Met Gala on Monday.

She made an appearance on the red carpet with ASAP Rocky.

ARIANA GRANDE DID NOT ATTEND MET GALA 2021

and Dalton Gomez both did not attend the event in New York City.

The singer did not go to the MTV VMAs either.

MILEY CYRUS DID NOT ATTEND MET GALA

Singer did not appear to attend the Met Gala.

It's unclear what kept the performer from the star-studded event on Monday.

WHEN WAS THE MET GALA 2021?

The Met Gala was on Monday, September 13, 2021.

The event took place at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and guests were expected to arrive around 5:30pm.

Parties after the event were expected to go late.

WHO HOSTED THE LIVESTREAM FOR THE MET GALA?

The livestream for the Met Gala was hosted by two women on Monday night.

Actor and recording artist Keke Palmer, and actor, writer, and director Ilana Glazer hosted the livestream,  reported.