Aurora James puts as much emphasis on creating beautiful pieces for her brand
Brother Vellies as she does creating those pieces with integrity. "I think these days if you're not socially conscious you're a big part of the problem. The world is such a beautiful, magical place and as people we have the power to create and cause so much good. Why not harness each of our ideas and potential into something positive?," the designer asks. "I'm not asking every single person to drop their jobs and volunteer in Haiti. I just think as entrepreneurs we must motivate ourselves and challenge each other in a way that benefits the greater good and not just the bottom line." Each Brother Vellies piece is sustainably handmade in South Africa, Kenya and Morocco—which creates artisanal jobs within Africa. That beautiful inside-and-out vibe extends to the girl herself. See how James approaches style for daily life—Brother Vellies included, of course.
Look 1: Summer Brunch
"I'm a sucker for a white dress and I fell in love with this one pretty quickly. It's great for a summer day outside or for brunch."
3 spots you love in Brooklyn?
Olea on Lafayette in Fort Greene for dinner or brunchOroboro Store for their incredible edit of all of my favorite brands.AP Cafe in Bushwick for the ultimate weekend indulgence—chicken & wafflesPictured: Black Crane Dress; Brother Vellies shoes and bag...
Describe your style in 3 words
Whimsical, feminine, nostalgic
How would you describe the aesthetic of Brother Vellies?
"Valley of the Dolls" meets Marrakech
"The color of this dress is dreamy. It's a more playful way to stand out from the LBD crowd."
What's your vintage shopping philosophy/approach?
I love vintage to death. I try to look at quality, construction and cut. Always remember you can get things tailored.
Piece you wear the most from your own collection?
Brother Vellies Tufted Dhara Sandalsfor sure, I basically don't take those off
Pictured:
Self Portrait dress; Brother Vellies shoes and
bag
Look 2: A Night Out
What inspires you most as a designer?
The people we work with—everyone from those designing the shoes to the women wearing them in the end
Are you an online shopper or brick and mortar?
Both. But I've been very busy lately and Matches ships pretty quickly, so....
Wardrobe MVP (the piece that gets the most love in your wardrobe)
My Gucci kimono.
Look 3: A Day in the Park
"I have some go to jeans that are staples for me. They're great paired with a vintage blouse, vibrant sandals and a fun bag. Day-in-the-park perfect!"
First fashion memory?
My mom's snakeskin dress. I would hide in her closet and touch it.
Most exciting thing that's happened since launching your brand?
It's crazy and totally an eye roll moment for me to say this but it's true—every day is more exciting than the last. The three years since I launched this company have been such an incredible journey. I know the best is still yet to come, too.
Style icons, one past, one present?
Cher in her Sonny and Cher days. Caroline De Maigret for present day.
If you weren't a designer what would you be?
A lawyer, or a gardener. Possibly/probably both.
Hair and makeup philosophy?
Keep it simple and just try to feel like your best self-every day. Never do anything during the daytime that would make you look totally insane if you suddenly found yourself hiking.
Are you a closet editor or builder?
Builder. Always building. Make a strong foundation and build up from there.
Source: harpersbazaar.com
