In a night that blended fashion, art, and cultural nostalgia, Aurora James, the visionary behind Brother Vellies and a leading voice for sustainable design and equity in fashion, hosted an unforgettable Warhol-inspired dinner at the iconic Hotel Chelsea. The evening, presented in partnership with Vogue100 and Friends of The CFDA, was a celebration of creativity, community, and the rebellious spirit of New York’s artistic legacy.
🎨 A Warholian Wonderland at Hotel Chelsea
The historic Hotel Chelsea, a storied haven for artists and bohemians from Andy Warhol to Patti Smith, was transformed into a modern-day Factory, with a décor palette of metallics, pop colors, and eclectic art installations.
✨ Silver Mylar balloons floated overhead, reminiscent of Warhol’s famous “Silver Clouds” installation.
✨ Guests dined on vintage-inspired table settings, complete with Campbell’s Soup candle holders—a playful nod to Warhol’s iconic artwork.
✨ Walls were adorned with projected Polaroid portraits taken throughout the night—capturing attendees in true Warhol style.
🍸 A Guest List of Fashion and Art Royalty
The event drew a who’s who of the fashion and art worlds, blending established designers, emerging talents, and cultural icons.
Among the notable guests:
💫 Anna Wintour, who praised James’s ability to merge activism with artistry.
💫 Tory Burch, supporting fellow CFDA members.
💫 Liya Kebede, glowing in a Brother Vellies creation.
💫 Jeremy O. Harris, whose theatrical flair matched the night’s avant-garde spirit.
💫 Paloma Elsesser, bringing effortless style and grace.
🍽️ A Menu Inspired by New York’s Creative Past
The dinner menu paid homage to New York’s eclectic culinary history, with elevated takes on classic diner fare, a favorite haunt of Warhol and his Factory entourage:
- Appetizer: Caviar-topped deviled eggs and lobster rolls served on silver trays.
- Main Course: A choice of steak frites or truffle mushroom pasta.
- Dessert: Miniature “Banana Split” parfaits—a tribute to Warhol’s iconic Velvet Underground album cover.
- Signature cocktail: The “Silver Martini” with a shimmering garnish.
🎭 Pop Art Performances and Factory-Style Fun
The night was more than a dinner—it was a happening, in true Warhol style:
🎶 A live performance by Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), blending soul and synth-pop.
📸 Instant Polaroid portraits offered to each guest, with Warhol-style color treatments.
🎨 A surprise pop-up screen-printing station, where guests could create their own Warhol-inspired tote bags.
💬 Aurora James on Creativity and Community
During a brief toast, Aurora James shared:
“Warhol showed us that art could be found in anything—even a soup can. Tonight, we celebrate the art of community, creativity, and collective power. The fashion world can be a place of both beauty and impact. Let’s keep creating spaces where both thrive.”
💫 Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember
With her signature mix of glamour, purpose, and inclusivity, Aurora James once again proved that fashion is more than fabric—it’s culture, community, and conversation. The night ended with guests dancing beneath silver balloons, a perfect Warholian flourish to an evening that felt both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Would you have loved to attend this Warhol-inspired soirée? Which part of the evening speaks to your artistic side? 🎨✨