Designer and activist Aurora James has been busy since she last appeared on Rose Inc almost two years ago. Very busy. To start, the Brother Vellies founder graced the cover of Vogue in 2020 and was named one of Time100’s most influential people of 2021. This is partially because of the success of Fifteen Percent Pledge, the nonprofit organization she started in May of last year that challenges retailers to dedicate at least 15% of shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Her reach can be seen in Nordstrom, Sephora and Ulta Beauty — three stores that have taken the pledge — and this month marks the start of a two year partnership between the organization and Google to further support Black-owned businesses with training and resources.
Most recently, James was nominated for Accessories Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Preparing for the CFDA Fashion Awards, which took place at the Bowery Hotel in New York City last Thursday, provided the perfect opportunity for sophisticated glam and a quick Rose Inc reunion. James paired a custom Brother Vellies x Brock Collection gown—complete with Kenyan, hand-carved wood elements—with the brand's Lijadu Billfold bag and strappy heels. Then, a soft makeup look and loose waves tied it all together.
James recalls the energy in the room that evening as palpable and amazing, made even sweeter by tablemates Iman, Liya Kebede, Precious Lee and Paloma Elsesser. “It’s great to see the fashion community all come together, celebrate and support all of the creative talent and masterminds in the room,” James says. “And, of course, I had the most fun table.”
Then it got even better: She received the Founder’s Award for her work launching and growing Fifteen Percent Pledge. “I am actually the first Black female designer to take home an award from the CFDA,” she says. “I am honored to be following in the footsteps of incredible Black women who have been honorees before me like Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Bethann Hardison, Naomi Campbell, Pat McGrath and Iman. It’s such an immense honor, especially with it being such a historic moment.”
To celebrate her big win and monumental past two years, we’re sharing a peek into her glam process, including the playlist that sets the tone, below.
This is such a huge night for you! What was the inspiration behind the overall look?
I really just wanted to look like myself. I never like too much makeup, so keeping the base as light as possible is what’s important to me. I would also say that, because I was being honored for my nonprofit work, I kept it a little more casual because the topic is serious. Sometimes if it’s a purely fashion moment, I get a little more whimsical.
What’s your favorite part about getting ready for big events like this?
As one would expect, I love adding in the final touches to a look. My favorite part is seeing how accessories can evolve and elevate an outfit. Even for this night, I was down to the very last minute with choosing my shoes because you can style a dress in so many different ways.
What songs do you like to get ready to, ahead of big events?
“Afro Blue” by Robert Glasper and Erykah Badu, “The Boss” by Diana Ross, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, “At the Hotel” by Eunice Collins, “Door of the Cosmos” by Sun Ra, “Les Fleurs” by Minnie Ripperton, “My Song” by Labi Siffre, “Take Me With You” by Lyn Christopher, “Strange” by Patsy Cline and “Too Soon You’re Old” by Penny Goodwin.
What were the key products used for both makeup and hair?
For hair, stylist Mideyah Parker used all Oribe products and Dyson hot tools. For makeup, Shawn Lumaban and I used Fashion Fair Fabulous Face Priming Serum to even tone and boost radiance. Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is a red carpet must-have that’s lightweight, water- and sweat-resistant and perfect for photos and all-night wear. Sephora Collection Clean Velvet Cream Blush Palette in Candied [provided] romantic, glowing skin and Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork Highlighting Palette added a boost of shimmer. Fashion Fair Set It Loose Setting Powder in Truly Tawny mattifies and makes makeup transfer-proof.
For touch-ups throughout the night, I kept my Rose Inc Blush Divine in my purse. I also used it more heavily for my CFDA after party look.
How has your relationship to beauty and self-care evolved in the last two years?
It’s been a big change. Finding the balance between running and designing Brother Vellies and growing Fifteen Percent Pledge has been tough. I definitely wore a lot less makeup during the quarantine. With all the work I’ve been doing in racial justice, I think self-care is top of mind from a mental and emotional space. I think I’ve personally been coming to terms more with just looking how I look every day, versus trying to look the most beautiful. Does that make sense? I just think existing in general—and not being in tears—was where the bar was set for me at a lot of points over the past two years.
Hypnotic
Sandy beige
Satin Cocoa
Neutral brown
Copper Shimmer
Copper gold