The Powers That Be: Daily Fashion Is Political
Aug 23, 2025
Aurora James, a designer, writer, and founder of the 15% Pledge, discusses the dynamic interplay between fashion and politics. She highlights the impact of celebrity activism, especially Taylor Swift's role in influencing public awareness. The conversation takes a turn towards nostalgia, the creativity crisis in media, and the challenges American designers face with tariffs and fast fashion. James also shares her insights on the future of fashion amidst evolving technology and societal changes, promising a lively exploration of these pressing topics.
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Long Beach Flea Market Rituals
- Aurora James describes her weekend ritual of hunting every flea market, calling Long Beach her favorite for rare finds.
- She credits collectors (including Japanese buyers) and early arrival for scoring major come-ups.
Nostalgia Hampers Creative Progress
- Aurora argues nostalgia glamorizes the past and blocks forward-looking creativity and curation.
- She urges learning from past eras but building new cultural institutions rather than reviving old brands.
Fund New Curatorial Leadership
- Aurora suggests investing in new curatorial leadership rather than staging retro pop-ups.
- She recommends funding people like Julie Gilhart to direct fresh retail concepts with modern ideas.