Fashion Greats at Home: Aurora James Is Putting “Thoughts and Questions Into Action in 2021”

Like most creative industries, the fashion industry has taken a huge hit during the coronavirus pandemic—and some of the biggest names in fashion are no exception. With a new year beginning and the end of the pandemic in sight, Vanity Fair is catching up with 12 fashion greats, as they recommend their go-to items for quarantine, and their hopes for the year to come.

“The time spent at home last year really forced me to focus on what’s important to me as I continue my journey through this world,” Aurora James told Vanity Fair recently. “Where do I want to spend time? Who do I want to spend it with? How do I want to be treated and how do I want to treat others?”

James, who founded her accessories company Brother Vellies in 2013, had a banner year in 2020, including appearing on the cover of Vogue’s September issue and the launch of her 15 Percent Pledge. The pledge, named for the 15% of the U.S. population made up of Black people, calls for major retailers to ensure that a minimum of 15% of their products comes from Black-owned businesses. With brands like Sephora, Macy’s, Yelp, and Vogue taking the pledge, James is just getting started. “That’s what Black women can do when they put their mind to something,” she told Vogue. “We’re just not usually empowered in situations where we are able to move and act this quickly.”

As the new year carries on, James said she is looking “forward to putting all of her thoughts and questions into action in 2021. I’m not sure I fully trust what this year will bring us but I’m ready for it.” Ahead, a few of James’s favorite things that have made the things around her in this past year sparkle a bit brighter.