In celebration of creativity and innovation, the Savannah College of Art and Design hosted its highly anticipated event, SCAD FASHION 2024, featuring a captivating runway show showcasing the latest collections of senior and graduate students from the prestigious School of Fashion. As a part of SCAD FASHION 2024, the university arranged events previewing the show, including an homage to three remarkable individuals who made significant contributions to the fashion industry. The event cast a brilliant spotlight on Aurora James, the founder of Brother Vellies; An Le, the Co-Founder of the internationally acclaimed creative lab Now Open; and Julian Robaire, the Director of Chanel’s V.I.P Atelier. Their extraordinary achievements were further celebrated through the presentation of prestigious accolades—the Andre Leon Talley Award, bestowed upon James in recognition of her transformative vision, and the esteemed SCAD45 Award, honoring the achievements of Le and Robaire as distinguished alumni. Following the awards ceremony, attendees were treated to a thought-provoking discussion with Aurora James. She delved into her impactful initiatives such as the Fifteen Percent Pledge, offered insights into her perspective on “slow fashion,” and more. This event captured the essence of innovation and inspiration within the fashion world, leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and vision driving the industry forward.

Honored with the SCAD45 Award, alumni An Le and Julian Robaire were celebrated for their exceptional impact in fashion. An Le, a creative powerhouse, has seamlessly flourished in photography, film, and fashion with unwavering passion and skill. Co-founding the globally recognized Now Open creative lab, Le has become a driving force in the industry, fostering collaboration and innovation while pushing the envelope of visual storytelling. His ability to seamlessly blend artistic vision with commercial appeal has earned him widespread praise and recognition across various sectors. Originally hailing from Saigon, Vietnam, An Le’s journey to success began with a B.F.A in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2012. Launching his career in the vibrant landscape of New York, he quickly established himself as a sought-after photographer for esteemed publications such as Vogue, W Magazine, Paper Magazine, i-D Magazine, and GQ. Collaborating with renowned brands including Balmain, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Loewe, and L’Oréal, Le has become synonymous with innovation and excellence in the industry. His clientele comprises a stellar array of celebrities, featuring icons such as Cher, Naomi Campbell, John Legend, Lupita Nyong’o, and many more. An Le's relentless pursuit of creative innovation continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of fashion, inspiring awe and admiration with each new endeavor.

Contrarily, Julian Robaire’s journey has been defined by his fusion of conceptual vision and technical mastery within the realm of fashion design. Heading Chanel’s V.I.P. Atelier, Robaire brings a distinctive flair to luxury fashion, infusing designs with innovation and refinement. Renowned for seamlessly combining avant-garde concepts with meticulous craftsmanship, he has garnered a reputation as a visionary in the industry. Robaire’s journey in luxury fashion began with a passion instilled by his great-aunt, whose career at Hermès sparked his fascination with luxury. Robaire proceeded to pursue a B.F.A. in Fashion, honing his skills in draping, which laid the foundation of his career. After graduating in 2012, he went to Paris, where he pursued further education at L'Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne before embarking on a journey through esteemed fashion houses including Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, and now Chanel.

Among her peers, Aurora James is a beacon of advocacy and leadership within the fashion industry, notably through her brand Brother Vellies and support for global artisan communities. Her brand produces stunning footwear and accessories while championing sustainability and providing opportunities for African artisans. By celebrating traditional craftsmanship and promoting sustainable practices, she has reshaped the narrative surrounding luxury fashion. Through her advocacy, she has pushed initiatives like the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which urges retailers to dedicate at least 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. James' dedication and advocacy within the industry have earned her immense recognition, including a coveted spot on TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list. SCAD acknowledged her leadership by presenting her with the André Leon Talley Award, cementing her profound impact on the fashion industry and beyond. This recognition stands as a testament to her dedication to uplifting marginalized communities and pushing the boundaries of industry norms.

Following her award acceptance, James engaged in a discussion in which she fielded questions. When asked about her experience observing artisans deeply engrossed in their craft, she recounted, In the very early days of Brother Vellies, when I first started working on the shoe, and for those of you who don't know, my company is based on a traditional Southern African shoe called a velskoen, which we call a 'vellie' for short. And it is one of the very first shoes that originated on the continent of Africa. It began with leather wrapped around the foot. Then it evolved into multiple pieces of leather tacked together with a rubber sole.

She expressed keen interest in their supply chain practices, particularly their consideration for animals and ethical practices in production, indicating her understanding of their culture and the importance of sourcing. When prompted to define "slow fashion," she replied, I think for me it's about looking at different areas, different groups of people, and asking how I could work with this supply chain in a way that makes sense, and how it adds value to these groups of people. What are the checks and balances I need to incorporate within myself? What I don't do is design something and go somewhere like Mexico and say, 'Design this shoe for me.' Instead, it's about understanding what resources they have, how they work, and how many people are involved. Also, it's about not ordering a large quantity of items. At Brother Vellies, we work with very small batches.

Expanding on the topic of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, she provided insight into its unique approach and significance. She answered, “The thing we always need to remember is that talent is distributed equally, but opportunity and access is not. That's really the emphasis behind the Fifteen Percent Pledge. It's the fastest-growing non-profit in America, and it's the largest economic driver for Black Americans the country has ever seen.” She further elaborated on how it's been a game-changer for how major corporations think about DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Considering that DEI is over 200 years old and today the phrase is under attack, the idea of diversifying everything you do isn't just charitable, it's a smart business strategy. Thinking narrowly only leads to a limited economic outcome. She emphasized that true progress requires systemic change, and initiatives like the Fifteen Percent Pledge are critical in reshaping economic landscapes for underrepresented communities.

SCAD's unwavering commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent is evident through the André Leon Talley Award and the SCAD45 Award. By honoring those who advocate and innovate, SCAD reinforces its role in shaping the future of fashion. These accolades are not merely titles; they are acknowledgements of the significant impact that individuals have on the landscape. Recipients Aurora James, An Le, and Julian Robaire have shown exceptional creativity and leadership within their work. Aurora James, with her dedication to sustainability and social justice through fashion, has transformed industry standards. An Le’s rebellious nature in pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and redefining aesthetic norms has resulted in his work being featured in numerous magazines and campaigns, illustrating his artistic vision. Julian Robaire’s innovative designs and entrepreneurial spirit set new benchmarks for aspiring designers, showcasing the power of merging technology and traditional craftsmanship. Together, their contributions exemplify the ongoing evolution and transformation of the fashion industry as we know it today.

Article by Shawna Small, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine

A Night of Fashion Excellence: SCAD Celebrates Aurora James, An Le, and Julian Robaire