Celebrity Style

All The Most Innovative Looks From The 15% Pledge Gala

Celebrating fashion with fashion.

by Avery Matera
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 02: Nicole Ari Parker and Aurora James attends the 2022 Inaugural Fifteen...
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In June 2020, Aurora James of Brother Vellies founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge with the goal to champion Black designers and widen representation — in stores, magazines, and beyond. Hosting its first gala, the industry turned out to support, bringing with them some A+ looks.

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The woman who launched it all, Aurora James, looked stunning in Christopher John Rogers. She choose a pastel, confection-esque silhouette reminiscent of Victorian styles.
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Sultry was the name of the game — at least when it came to Laura Harrier’s look. She stood tall in an asymmetric, velvet gown with a thigh-high slit, designed by Sergio Hudson.
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Borrowing from the boys, Joan Smalls chose Fear of God to bring her monochromatic suiting to life.
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Iman stunned in an allover animal print, rocking a body-conscious gown from Sergio Hudson, complete with a train.
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Going for whimsy, Rosario Dawson chose a colorful skirt and crop top look from Studio 189 and finished with a beach-bound straw hat.
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Selah Marley drew inspiration from Swan Lake’s black swan for her tuxedo-and-tulle look.
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Designed by Torlowei, Sophia Roe’s periwinkle gown cascaded down her frame from her right shoulder, gathering at the back with a bow.
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Catching eyes, Alexis Bennett opted for a patent mini dress with dramatic puff sleeves from LaQuan Smith.
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The carpet was in full bloom, thanks to Eva Chen, who attended in a colorful floral tank dress designed by Christopher John Rogers.
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Host Nicole Ari Parker went for a mini dress from LaQuan Smith, looking bright and bold in deep garnet red.
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Looking tailored and sleek, Allyson Felix opted for a crisp Sergio Hudson suit for the gala.
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With sequins and cutouts, Paloma Elsesser attended the gala wearing neutral tones from 16arlington and carrying a handbag from Brother Vellies.
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Looking the picture of boudoir chic, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson chose a lilac, tie-front silk gown designed by Fe Noel with pink Brother Vellies pumps to complete the look.
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Selby Drummond attended the gala in her take on the naked dress trend, slipping into a sheer lace midi skirt and bodysuit top from Aliette.
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Rajni Jacques rocked a one-shoulder look in bright tangerine, designed by Hanifa, complete with a single long sleeve and glove to boot.
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Going neutral in her own design, Carly Cushnie effortlessly sported a nude, cross-neck dress with a keyhole cutout and floor-grazing silhouette.

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