A Night of Fashion Excellence: SCAD Celebrates Aurora James, An Le, and Julian Robaire — PhotoBook Magazine

Among her peers, Aurora James is a beacon of advocacy and leadership within the fashion industry, notably through her brand Brother Vellies and support for global artisan communities. Her brand produces stunning footwear and accessories while championing sustainability and providing opportunities for African artisans. By celebrating traditional craftsmanship and promoting sustainable practices, she has reshaped the narrative surrounding luxury fashion. Through her advocacy, she has pushed initiatives like the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which urges retailers to dedicate at least 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. James’ dedication and advocacy within the industry have earned her immense recognition, including a coveted spot on TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list. SCAD acknowledged her leadership by presenting her with the André Leon Talley Award, cementing her profound impact on the fashion industry and beyond. This recognition stands as a testament to her dedication to uplifting marginalized communities and pushing the boundaries of industry norms.

Following her award acceptance, James engaged in a discussion in which she fielded questions. When asked about her experience observing artisans deeply engrossed in their craft, she recounted, In the very early days of Brother Vellies, when I first started working on the shoe, and for those of you who don’t know, my company is based on a traditional Southern African shoe called a velskoen, which we call a ‘vellie’ for short. And it is one of the very first shoes that originated on the continent of Africa. It began with leather wrapped around the foot. Then it evolved into multiple pieces of leather tacked together with a rubber sole.

She expressed keen interest in their supply chain practices, particularly their consideration for animals and ethical practices in production, indicating her understanding of their culture and the importance of sourcing. When prompted to define “slow fashion,” she replied, I think for me it’s about looking at different areas, different groups of people, and asking how I could work with this supply chain in a way that makes sense, and how it adds value to these groups of people. What are the checks and balances I need to incorporate within myself? What I don’t do is design something and go somewhere like Mexico and say, ‘Design this shoe for me.’ Instead, it’s about understanding what resources they have, how they work, and how many people are involved. Also, it’s about not ordering a large quantity of items. At Brother Vellies, we work with very small batches.

Expanding on the topic of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, she provided insight into its unique approach and significance. She answered, “The thing we always need to remember is that talent is distributed equally, but opportunity and access is not. That’s really the emphasis behind the Fifteen Percent Pledge. It’s the fastest-growing non-profit in America, and it’s the largest economic driver for Black Americans the country has ever seen.” She further elaborated on how it’s been a game-changer for how major corporations think about DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Considering that DEI is over 200 years old and today the phrase is under attack, the idea of diversifying everything you do isn’t just charitable, it’s a smart business strategy. Thinking narrowly only leads to a limited economic outcome. She emphasized that true progress requires systemic change, and initiatives like the Fifteen Percent Pledge are critical in reshaping economic landscapes for underrepresented communities.