“Aurora James, Founder of fashion label Brother of Vellies, wins the Council of Fashion Designers of America Award” reads the tv news ticker. “This girl did it.” I tell myself, scrubbing the stains off the table left by the previous customers. Pop, the cap of the beer bottle flies open, I slide it across the table to the waiting customer. “I’m gonna get out of here, when I win my spot in congress against Joe Crowley.” I think to myself.
As I drive to my appointment to talk with Aurora James I can help but think back to when I was just a woman working in a bar. Now three years later, after getting sworn into congress, passing bills, and living through a pandemic. Now I’m going to be attending my first ever Met Gala. A place I used to dream about going to.
The Met Gala. Celebrities, politicians, influencers and many others in one place to mark the opening of Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibit. “ We have to leave a statement to wake people up.” I tell Aurora.
“A dress that makes people want to get up and cause a change,” she adds. “Well, we have both done work on the 15 Percent Pledge and with people losing their businesses, especially black-owned, we should create a dress that delivers a message on the economy.”
“Tax the Rich” I say.
“Perfect.”
Aurora and her team begin sketching the design. A tape measure runs around my waist, fabrics rub against one another, pins holding the dress to the right size. Sewing machines running together. Months of fittings and changes to dress pass by. Closer the Met gets the more nervous I become.
The Met is finally here. I sit in the hair and make up chair, brushes run through my hair securing it into a nice bun with my make up simple, but classy. I slip the dress onto my arm, the cool, white fabric sending a chill down my spine. I look in the mirror, “TAX the RICH” it reads on the back, written in big, bold, red lettering.
“Very peak punk rock, isn’t it.” Aurora says as I exit the dressing room. Her team crowds me, doing touch ups, and slipping my heels on. It’s time.
Bright lights blind my eye, a drop of sweat rolls down my forehead, and my heart is racing. I take a deep breath in and step on the red carpet.
Click, click, click, cameras snap pictures of Aurora and I. “AOC! Tell us about the dress!” a reporter asks excitedly.
“Well, when Aurora and I first started the conversation about working together on a dress for me to wear to the Met Gala, we knew we needed to send a message.” I tell the reporter. “What does it mean to be two women from working class families, going to the Met.”
“Yea, so we ultimately ended on delivering a message on economic equality and economic justice.” Aurora adds.
“And why should we tax the rich?” the reporter adds.
“Taxing the rich could create more economic equality, minimize the dynastic wealth in the U.S and fund programs benefiting low income households.” I reply.
Tax the Rich.