Fashion People – “Fashion Is Political”

Host: Lauren Sherman
Guest: Aurora James (Brother Vellies designer, founder of the 15% Pledge)
Date: August 19, 2025

Overview

In this episode of Fashion People, Lauren Sherman welcomes back Aurora James for an in-depth discussion that goes beyond the surface glamour of fashion. They explore the pervasive influence of nostalgia in the industry, the intersection of fashion and politics (with particular focus on tariffs and trade), the legacy of Virgil Abloh, and media shifts epitomized by Robyn Givhan’s departure from The Washington Post. The episode closes with pop culture moments and the role of celebrity and activism in shaping public opinion.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Finding Value in the Past: Flea Markets, Nostalgia, and the Barney’s Phenomenon

[03:11 – 12:57]

• Aurora’s Flea Market Finds
  • Aurora details her love for sourcing unique pieces at the Long Beach flea market, emphasizing skill over the marketplace itself.
  • Quote: “It’s not that it’s good, it’s that I’m good.” (Aurora, [03:35])
• Nostalgia in Fashion and Retail
  • Discussion about her Substack essay “The Nostalgia Trap” and the ongoing nostalgia bias in fashion.
  • Lauren and Aurora lament the over-romanticization of institutions like Barneys, questioning its status as a truly world-class retailer.
  • Quote: “I think we overly romanticize things from the past all the time.” (Aurora, [07:04])
  • Lauren wishes for more forward-thinking curatorial efforts in retail—less revivalism, more innovation.
  • Quote: “There is just not enough looking forward as there needs to be in this world generally.” (Lauren, [09:26])

2. Creativity Crisis and the Overlap of Technology

[09:45 – 12:57]

• The hosts identify a “creativity crisis”—rooted in our constant proximity to and algorithmic reinforcement of the recent past.
• AI and social media have compressed historical distance, making truly new ideas harder to cultivate.
• Aurora: “My relationship to the past, pre social media, was viewed with my own sort of rose colored lenses... Now you’re in these weird algorithms, where everyone’s seeing the literal thing from the past all the time.” ([12:04])

3. The Legacy of Virgil Abloh & Robyn Givhan’s Cultural Commentary

[13:34 – 21:45]

• Robyn Givhan’s Departure
  • Lauren and Aurora reflect on Robyn’s impact as a fashion and cultural critic, and her book on Virgil Abloh.
  • Aurora describes Virgil’s absence as a major loss for the industry’s ability to process irony and change.
  • Both hosts anticipate Robyn’s next move with excitement, recognizing her versatility and “best in class” insight.
• Book Wish List and Fashion-Politics Nexus
  • Lauren wants to see Givhan tackle D.C. culture, noting its uniqueness and broader resonance.
  • Aurora suggests Givhan explore the deep, often overlooked intertwining of fashion and politics.
  • Quote: “She could do a really great job examining fashion’s relationship to politics... and people don’t think about that as much.” (Aurora, [21:11])

4. Fashion, Trade, and the Real-World Impact of Tariffs

[22:56 – 26:52]

• Tariffs as Existential Threat
  • Aurora contextualizes tariffs as an acute threat to American designers’ competitiveness, expressing her frustration at the unpredictable policymaking environment.
  • Quote: “The tariffs are true hell... it’s really trying to figure out how can we get some carve outs here. And it’s tough because the tariffs are such a moving target.” (Aurora, [23:05])
  • Lauren underscores the practical barriers to ‘reshoring’ production—outdated or unavailable machinery, prohibitive costs, workforce issues.
  • Aurora highlights the loss of the AGOA free trade agreement with African nations, noting its crucial role for brands like Brother Vellies.
  • Quote: “Brother Vellies would not be what it is today if Agoa didn’t exist... The idea that’s also gone is crazy.” (Aurora, [26:21])

5. Pop Culture Crossovers: Magazines, Taylor & Travis, Political Influence

[26:58 – 33:47]

• Travis Kelce’s GQ Cover

  • Lauren praises Law Roach’s playful and ambitious styling, delighted by the irreverence and location choice.
  • Quote: “There was a humor to it that I really appreciated.” (Aurora, [28:09])
  • Aurora finds the imagery jarring, drawing an (unintentional) parallel to January 6th visuals; she prefers more elegant covers like Michaela Coel’s in British Vogue.

• Taylor Swift’s Political Power?

  • The hosts are ambivalent about Taylor Swift’s pop-cultural omnipresence but agree on her potential for political impact—if her activism is well-timed and personalized.
  • Quote: “If her being on tour means she’s going to engage in a little bit more political commentary right now that the Swifties can tune into, then I’m all for it.” (Aurora, [30:16])

• Does Media Actually Change Minds?

  • Lauren questions the efficacy of podcasts or celebrity activism in driving real political change, suggesting their audience is already “preached to.”
  • Aurora clarifies that truly changing minds requires personal stakes: “People have to feel really personally connected to a topic.” ([32:11])
  • References to IVF debates, and how individual experiences drive political behavior.

• Economic Discontent and Political Realization

  • Lauren wonders if sustained cost-of-living pressures will finally reshape public perception of current policies.
  • Aurora is cautiously optimistic: “I think a lot of the problems that he’s creating, we’re actually not going to feel for a few more years. And I think he’s gamed out that timing very well.” ([33:39])

Memorable Quotes

• Aurora James ([03:35]):
  “It’s not that it’s good, it’s that I’m good.”

• Lauren Sherman ([09:26]):
  “There is just not enough looking forward as there needs to be in this world generally.”

• Aurora James ([23:05]):
  “The tariffs are true hell... it’s really trying to figure out how can we get some carve outs here. And it’s tough because the tariffs are such a moving target.”

• Lauren Sherman ([31:33]):
  “People think these podcasts are changing… shifting elections. There’s not that many people listening to them. There’s a good amount, but... your mind isn’t getting changed.”

• Aurora James ([32:11]):
  “People have to feel, like, really personally connected to a topic.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• 03:11 – 04:30: Flea markets and the art of sourcing vintage
• 05:50 – 10:13: The pitfalls of nostalgia in fashion (Barney’s, Alexander Wang)
• 12:04 – 12:57: How technology and social media change creative cycles
• 13:34 – 16:50: Virgil Abloh’s legacy and Robyn Givhan’s career shift
• 21:11 – 21:43: The case for a book on fashion’s relationship to politics
• 22:56 – 26:52: Fashion, trade policy, and the existential threat of tariffs
• 27:03 – 29:34: Magazine covers: Travis Kelce, Law Roach’s styling, Michaela Coel in Vogue
• 30:07 – 33:47: Taylor Swift, activism, and what actually moves public opinion

Tone and Language

The episode balances industry-insider candor with critical reflection and good humor. Aurora brings dry wit (“I’m good”) and a breezy, matter-of-fact hopelessness regarding structural industry issues. Lauren offers a mixture of personal anecdotes, sharp analysis, and resigned optimism.

For Listeners

This episode is a must for anyone interested in the seismic forces shaping both the aesthetics and the business realities of fashion. You’ll come away understanding why politics, nostalgia, and culture are inseparable from style—and how the industry’s future depends on creative adaptation, collective advocacy, and honesty about the past.