Aurora James facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aurora James
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| Born | 1984 (age 40–41) |
| Known for | Fashion design |
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Notable work
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15 Percent Pledge |
| Awards | 2020 The Bloomberg 50 2021 Time 100 |
Aurora James is a Canadian fashion designer and activist. She is known for creating the fashion brand Brother Vellies. She also started the 15 Percent Pledge, a non-profit group that helps Black-owned businesses. In 2023, she released her book called Wildflower.
Contents
Early Life
Aurora James was born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Her father was from Ghana and her mother was Canadian. She spent her childhood living in both Canada and Jamaica. Later, she moved to Los Angeles and then to New York City.
Fashion Career
After traveling in Africa in 2011, Aurora James started working on fashion designs. She tested her ideas at local markets in New York. She also worked with different groups of skilled craftspeople.
Brother Vellies Brand
In January 2013, James launched her fashion brand, Brother Vellies. She started it with $3,500 of her own savings. Her main goal was to show off the amazing work of African artisans.
The first official Brother Vellies collection came out in spring 2014. It was made entirely by shoemakers in South Africa. James later worked with artisans in other countries. These included Mexico and Honduras. They made desert boots, shoes, slippers, and sandals.
In 2015, Brother Vellies also started making handbags. That same year, James won a big award. It was the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund prize. This award helps new fashion designers.
In 2020, Aurora James was featured on the cover of Vogue magazine. This was a big achievement in the fashion world. In 2022, she was chosen as a Vice Chair of the CFDA. This shows her important role in the fashion industry.
Many famous people have worn Brother Vellies designs. These include Beyoncé, Solange Knowles, and Nicki Minaj.
The 15 Percent Pledge
In 2020, Aurora James started an important project. It is called the 15 Percent Pledge. She launched it with a post on Instagram on May 29. This post quickly became very popular.
The 15 Percent Pledge Foundation is a non-profit organization. It asks large stores to promise something important. They are asked to make sure that 15 percent of the products they sell come from Black-owned businesses.
This foundation helps big companies. It gives them ideas and advice. It helps them reach their goal of supporting Black-owned businesses. The main aim of the foundation is to help Black-owned businesses grow. It also wants to build wealth in Black communities.
Time magazine wrote that James wanted companies to make a real difference. That's how the 15 Percent Pledge began. James has said that this pledge is one way to help. She also encourages people to support other causes.
Her Memoir: Wildflower
In May 2023, Aurora James released her book. It is called Wildflower. A review in Kirkus Reviews said the book was honest and interesting. It called Wildflower a "well-written, profoundly empathetic memoir."
Bianca Betancourt from Harper's Bazaar wrote about the book. She said James shares memories from her youth. She also talks honestly about her life today. This includes her work as a designer and business owner.
The book is not just for fashion fans. It is for anyone who has wondered about their life path. It is especially for women and women of color.
Awards and Honors
- 2015 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund – Winner
- 2016 Inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)
- 2016 Vogue Talents Award – Winner
- 2019 CAFA Award: International Canadian Designer Award – Winner
- 2019, Crain's New York Business 40 Under 40
- 2020 British Fashion Award, People
- 2020 The Bloomberg 50
- 2020 Footwear News Person of the Year
- 2021 Time 100, Time's list of the 100 most influential people
- 2021 Founder's Award at the CFDA Awards
- 2022 Glamour Woman of the Year
- 2022 Vice Chair of the CFDA
- 2023 CAFA Vanguard Award
- 2023 Honorary Clio Award
Images for kids
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Aurora James
See Also
- 15 Percent Pledge
