Assuming you're referring to AOC going to the MET Gala, I feel you're implying she spent $35k of taxpayer money to get there, while she was in fact invited.
Calling it "nihilistic" is a bit strong considering the robe matches her policy positions and congress votes.
It's all performative and a distraction from the fact that the Met Gala is literally an event for rich people to show off their incredibly expensive clothes that will only be worn once. Unmasked while the servant class is masked, helping them get ready, carrying their dresses and serving them food and drink.
Tax the rich is a fully coopted slogan and is in fashion among the ruling class. Wearing a dress that reflects their fashion is not storming the Bastille or making them uncomfortable at all. They loved it and it worked great, considering how many peasants are defending their largesse during a pandemic. Get back to me when Senators worth $50M and the attendees who paid $35,000 for a ticket are actually getting taxed.
That is the way those things work. invite someone important so that everyone else will pay the price. In general when a politician goes to a expensive dinner like that I assume they are paid to be there.
what is the big picture? to me it looks like a politician wore an expensive dress to an expensive party and (apparently) didn't have to pay for either. I guess the way it relates to her positions is a tad hypocritical, but it's well within the realm of what I generally expect from a politician. I don't find the story particularly impressive or disappointing.