Aurora James is a Canadian creative director, activist, and fashion designer who has made a significant impact in the fashion industry. Born in Toronto, Canada, James developed an interest in fashion at a young age, which led her to pursue a career in the field.
James' career in fashion began with an internship at Next Models in Toronto when she was just 15 years old. After completing high school, she went on to study fashion at Ryerson University for a year. Although she did not complete her degree, James' early start in the fashion industry and her determination to succeed have been key factors in her success.
In 2013, James founded the fashion label Brother Vellies, which has become a renowned luxury accessories brand. As the creative director and founder of Brother Vellies, James has been recognized for her unique designs and her commitment to promoting diversity and representation in the fashion industry.
Throughout her career, James has demonstrated a willingness to pivot and explore different areas of the fashion industry. As she notes, "I've been self-employed for most of my adult life, and I've had to pivot my career all the time, from fashion designer to launching my nonprofit and working in private equity". This adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit have enabled James to build a successful brand and establish herself as a leading figure in the fashion industry.
Early Life and Education
Aurora James was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in a family that encouraged her creativity and interest in fashion. Her mother's closet, which she describes as a "treasure trove of fashion," was a significant influence on her early life and career. James' exposure to different cultures and styles from a young age has had a lasting impact on her design aesthetic and approach to fashion.
James' educational background includes a year of study at Ryerson University, where she pursued a degree in fashion [citation:2]. Although she did not complete her degree, James' time at Ryerson provided her with a solid foundation in fashion design and helped her develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the industry.
Career Milestones
Aurora James' career has been marked by several significant milestones, including the founding of Brother Vellies in 2013. The brand has become a leading luxury accessories label, known for its unique and stylish designs. James' success with Brother Vellies has earned her numerous awards and recognition within the industry, including the British Fashion Award, which she won in 2020.
In addition to her work with Brother Vellies, James has been recognized for her contributions to the fashion industry and her commitment to promoting diversity and representation. She was named to the Bloomberg 50 in 2020 and made Time 100's list of the 100 most influential people in 2021. These accolades are a testament to James' hard work and dedication to her craft, as well as her impact on the fashion industry as a whole.
Aurora James is a talented and influential fashion designer who has made a significant impact on the fashion industry. Her background and career are a testament to her hard work, determination, and commitment to promoting diversity and representation in fashion. Through her work with Brother Vellies and her numerous awards and recognition, James has established herself as a leading figure in the fashion industry and a role model for aspiring designers around the world.
James' career in fashion began with an internship at Next Models in Toronto when she was just 15 years old. After completing high school, she went on to study fashion at Ryerson University for a year. Although she did not complete her degree, James' early start in the fashion industry and her determination to succeed have been key factors in her success.
In 2013, James founded the fashion label Brother Vellies, which has become a renowned luxury accessories brand. As the creative director and founder of Brother Vellies, James has been recognized for her unique designs and her commitment to promoting diversity and representation in the fashion industry.
Throughout her career, James has demonstrated a willingness to pivot and explore different areas of the fashion industry. As she notes, "I've been self-employed for most of my adult life, and I've had to pivot my career all the time, from fashion designer to launching my nonprofit and working in private equity". This adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit have enabled James to build a successful brand and establish herself as a leading figure in the fashion industry.
Early Life and Education
Aurora James was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in a family that encouraged her creativity and interest in fashion. Her mother's closet, which she describes as a "treasure trove of fashion," was a significant influence on her early life and career. James' exposure to different cultures and styles from a young age has had a lasting impact on her design aesthetic and approach to fashion.
James' educational background includes a year of study at Ryerson University, where she pursued a degree in fashion [citation:2]. Although she did not complete her degree, James' time at Ryerson provided her with a solid foundation in fashion design and helped her develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the industry.
Career Milestones
Aurora James' career has been marked by several significant milestones, including the founding of Brother Vellies in 2013. The brand has become a leading luxury accessories label, known for its unique and stylish designs. James' success with Brother Vellies has earned her numerous awards and recognition within the industry, including the British Fashion Award, which she won in 2020.
In addition to her work with Brother Vellies, James has been recognized for her contributions to the fashion industry and her commitment to promoting diversity and representation. She was named to the Bloomberg 50 in 2020 and made Time 100's list of the 100 most influential people in 2021. These accolades are a testament to James' hard work and dedication to her craft, as well as her impact on the fashion industry as a whole.
Aurora James is a talented and influential fashion designer who has made a significant impact on the fashion industry. Her background and career are a testament to her hard work, determination, and commitment to promoting diversity and representation in fashion. Through her work with Brother Vellies and her numerous awards and recognition, James has established herself as a leading figure in the fashion industry and a role model for aspiring designers around the world.