Mood: A Mother Nature sanctuary (complete with live butterflies fluttering about) inspired by designer Aurora James’ recent trip to the Omo Valley in Ethiopia.
Soundtrack: “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over,” by Lenny Kravitz
Shoes: James is expanding her boot offering as her company grows and explores production in new parts of Africa. “I challenged myself to do my first tall boot for the CFDA,” says the 2015 Fashion Fund winner. “The feedback was great, so I continued to develop more styles.” Thigh-high and cropped mod block heel versions were shown in shades of blush, mint and cinnamon suede. James also reworked her signature chukka boots and fur-strapped sandals.
Review: Brother Vellies is quickly outgrowing just shoes and venturing into luxe crocodile handbags in chic boxy shapes and even apparel, too. While the footwear is impressive and wholly unique, James’ innate creativity (she had knitters in Brooklyn create clothing for models out of extra shoelaces and fur offcuts) continues to spark interest.
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For a closer look at the fall ’16 shoe collection, click through the slideshow.
