Disney has ingrained in our minds from an early age that when we wish upon a star dreams do come true. However, anyone that has ever reached the level of success that they have long thought about knows that it is a little more involved than just peering up at the night sky. We can all wish for something to happen, but in reality if we want said wish to come true there is much work involved.

This week handcrafted shoe designer Aurora James was bestowed with the honor of being the recipient of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. This fund was founded in order to give support to emerging American fashion talents. Three prizes are rewarded to three selected designers in order to aid them in going next level. Two runner-ups receive $150,000 while an overall talent winner receives $400,000.

The designers also receive vital mentorship by already established industry executives as well as designers. If you want to be successful it is always good to be in a circle of other successful people. As the saying goes, “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” True growth involves being humble to realize you do not know everything and being chill enough to go ask for the help you do need. Aurora no doubt understands the importance of having a great support system and revealed her feelings about her big win by saying,

“Babies we made it! I will never be able to accurately express how much this means to me. Thank you so much to everyone who has stuck by me and supported me with Brother Veillies these past few years! And biggest thank you to Vogue Magazine CFDA and all the judges for taking a walk on the wild side with me!

So incredibly humbled and excited to be a recipient of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. This win means so much to us and everyone on the ground in Africa that have dreamed this golden dream with us.”

Zendaya Wears Brother Veillies

The shoewear that Aurora James creates is definitely boisterous in design and style. Nevertheless, fashion is about displaying personality and expressing yourself in a fun, fresh way everyday. Zendaya Coleman was Aurora’s date for the night and was adorned with the designer’s fur trimmed sandal heels. Zendaya shared a few words about James stating,

“So happy for this amazing woman, Aurora James, something she said last night was so real, she said so often the fashion industry is inspired by Africa but never gives back to it. The fact that you are able to refurbish scraps of materials dumped into South Africa, the fact that you give women there a chance to use their skills, giving them jobs and actually allow them to create an income for themselves and their families is so empowering. This is the only fur exception I’ve ever made because it’s refurbished and being made with respect, resourcefulness, and purpose. Thanks for all you do and I wish you continued success.”

Aurora James is definitely shaking up the fashion game one small step at a time. Zendaya was not the only one to give glowing remarks in regards to James’ design aesthetic. Designer and hip hop mogul Kanye West also had a few words about Aurora’s collection. Kanye commented,

“When I saw fur shoes, I knew I was in the right place.”

Yes, Aurora James is setting the bar and solidifying trends with grace and allure. The fashion industry has long had a dark shadow cast on it due to its lack of diversity. Nevertheless, as more women like Aurora James chase down their shooting stars it makes it just a little easier and opens up the door of opportunity for other women of color to follow in her lead. Congratulations once more Aurora and we know you are going to go far.

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