#lanee bird

Shaina (Suga Shay) in the Patent Garter Cage Bustier

You told Glamour Mag "growing up, I didn't see a lot of people that looked like me. Scary Spice was the only one, and she had a special place in my heart." How do you think the fashion/media industry is changing and how do you think it's staying the same?

Its changed a lot I have to say. Literally her and Lisa Bonet were the ONLY celebrities I saw that I related to. Now there are so many young inspiring African American and mixed women on television– Zendaya, Amandla, Solange, Misty Copeland. I think it's the fashion industry that is the slowest to be honest. They still fetishize everything. So one season certain ethnicities are more 'in' than others, hair types, etc. It's actually quite disturbing.

-Aurora James, Creative Director of Brother Vellies

Aurora wears the Yoko Top and Highwaist Bottom with Reflex Bball Shorts.

What’s your workout routine?

I have an amazing trainer who has a background in yoga. We do a lot of resistance work and circuit training. I am trying to be stronger, that is the goal. I want to be a ninja.

-Aurora James, Creative Director of Brother Vellies

Aurora wears the Neoprene Sports Bra and Accelerator Bungee Pant

We first crossed paths with Aurora James– Creative Director of Brother Vellies –when Chromat and Brother Vellies were nominated for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2015. Aurora and Chromat founder Becca McCharen were the only 2 female designers in the top 10– and they instantly bonded.

With spring in full bloom, Aurora took Becca, photographer Lanee Bird and makeup artist Kerrie Bearcat Murphy on a tour of the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and talked to Becca about working out (in Chromat SPORT of course), Fashion Fund memories, diversity in the fashion industry, and her experiences empowering others.