For the first time, the third annual 15% Pledge gala was held in Los Angeles. Celebrities gathered in Paramount Studios to celebrate black excellence.
The pledge, founded by Creative director and activist Aurora James is a call to retailers to implement diversity and include Black owned brands by contributing 15 percent of their shelf space. According to their website, “with over 28 retailers, they’ve been able to shift almost $14B of revenue to Black-owned businesses.”
Businesses like Nordstrom and Sephora have pledged to support the campaign, and this list is growing.
Fashion Bomb CEO, Claire Sumers arrived to the ‘black tie black designer‘ extravaganza in a Matopeda gown that was sent all the way from Nigeria. You’ll also be pleased to know that the Matopeda’s collection is available at FashionBombdailyshop.com.
Claire caught up some of the brightest and most beautiful stars in the business, including Kelly Rowland. The stunning Kelly Rowland looked stunning in chocolate tones with gold hints.
The ‘Coffee” singer wore a Mohamed Benchellal gown that had a unique structure and modern silhouette. We live for a bob haircut on Kelly and she didn’t disappoint. Her gold statement earrings, lioness ring and lioness ring were the perfect finishing touch.
Tracey Ross, an actress, also chose brown shades in a Fear of Gold Fur coat, which was stenched with a leather strap and paired up with Saint Laurent heels in mocha.
Aurora James chose to wear a Christopher John Rogers ensemble that featured a cream cropped top with a teal 3-D flower and a matching avant-garde mini skirt. Her teal scrappy heels and Bulgari jewels made her look like a queen.
Jordyn woods chose neutrals to complement her Aurora James look, and this time she teamed up with Los Angeles designer Harbison.Studio. Her multi-colored buttons down her dress was a nod to Harbison’s signature, and her black gloves gave us “black-tie realness.”
The Woods took selfies of Claire whom they were fortunate to hang out with last September during Paris Fashion Week.
Aurora’s right hand partner, Emma Grede who is the Chairwoman of the 15-percent Pledge and the Co-founder of Good American slayed in a black Aliette blazer dress that had a 3D organza rose down the side.
Grede welcomed guests including model Ashley Graham, who displayed her beautiful curves with an emerald sequins gown characterized by cutouts.
Sabrina Idris looked polished and refined in a Kwame Adusei mini dress with pointed toe stilettos. She also carried a small black bag.
Media Personality Angela Rye glistened in a gold Dolce & Gabbana look that had a built in corset bodice and felt futuristic.
Monique Rodriguez, CEO of Mielle Organics, was also in attendance. She wore a Christopher Rogers dress with a colorful dimension that paired beautifully with her Judith Leiber bag.
The 15 Percent Pledge is a very important cause to ensure the major retailers make a commitment to showcase African American brands that aren’t always given equal opportunity to flourish due to systematic racism.
It’s emplaced to make sure that the companies and stores we shop at are to doing their due diligence to help facilitate inclusiveness, which is why this is an nonprofit organization that we stand behind and so should you.
Visit 15PercentPledge.org to learn how you can get involved and contribute towards the 15 Percent Pledge.
Photo Credit: BFA Images