Brother Vellies designer and The Fifteen Pledge founder, Aurora James knows what three things are key for awards show prep — a perfect red lip, a martini, and of course, a Brother Vellies shoe.
On Friday, James was honored with the Impact Award at the fifth annual Sustainable Style Awards at the West Hollywood Edition Hotel and she’s showing GRAZIA USA exactly how she prepped for her big night.
The Sustainable Style Awards celebrate and recognize sustainable fashion and all of the people that advocate for a better industry and environment, and the Impact Award recognizes a creative director in fashion, jewelry, or accessories for their excellence in sustainable design and practice.
James spoke exclusively with GRAZIA USA before the ceremony where she said she was “very honored” to receive the Impact Award.
“Sustainability and social responsibility are at the very core of Brother Vellies,” she said. “We are dedicated to keeping the work of traditional craftsmen around the world alive and sustaining artisanal jobs while creating long-lasting products.”
To James, sustainability goes beyond just material goods. “We cannot have material sustainability without moral sustainability. To be sustainable is to evaluate a brand’s supply chain and production process and make changes for the better. It also means to analyze how we are treating our people and our earth.”
Hassan Pierre, co-founder of eco-friendly retailer, Maison de Mode, and co-host of the evening, told GRAZIA USA, “We appreciate Aurora’s goal of celebrating traditional African design techniques and practices while creating and sustaining artisanal jobs and admire how Aurora is shining a light on all aspects of sustainability, from utilizing eco-friendly materials to incorporating diversity and inclusivity into Brother Vellies and beyond.”
He continued, “With the non-profit advocacy organization The Fifteen Percent Pledge that Aurora founded, we respect her for using her platform to continue to do good by closing the racial wealth gap by partnering with retailers to diversify their shelves and commit 15 percent of their purchasing power to Black-owned businesses.”
Ahead of the event, James took us through her getting-ready process, from her glam, accessories and her Chloe dress — see how her final look came together.
Ready for Glam
Shot by Chris Singer, @chrissingerme
“Getting my makeup done by the genius Uzo, of course.”
Pucker Up
Shot by Chris Singer, @chrissingerme
“We love a perfect red lip.”
A Shoe Lover’s Paradise
Shot by Chris Singer, @chrissingerme
“All of the Brother Vellies.”
Winning Heel
Shot by Chris Singer, @chrissingerme
“Wearing the Brother Vellies ‘Bike Shoe’ in tomato.”
It’s All in the Details
Shot by Chris Singer, @chrissingerme
“Had to accessorize my Chloe look with Brother Vellies! Went with the ‘Lijadu’ handbag in grapefruit and the ‘Bike Shoe’ in tomato.”
Commotion for the Dress
Shot by Chris Singer, @chrissingerme
“The dress is Chloe Spring 2022.”
Martini Time
Shot by Chris Singer, @chrissingerme
“Just one martini on the Four Seasons balcony before we’re off!”
Final Look
Shot by Chris Singer, @chrissingerme
“I wanted to wear Chloe because they are a fashion house who is committed to improving social and environmental sustainability.”
Grateful and Graceful
Shot by Chris Singer, @chrissingerme
“Thank you to Maison de Mode for this honor.”
