Fashion Designer Behind AOC's 'Tax the Rich' Dress Sued for $1 Million
Event planners allege Aurora James and her organization failed to pay for services rendered at a celebrity gala.
Fashion designer Aurora James, known for creating U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's "Tax the Rich" Met Gala gown, is facing a lawsuit seeking $1 million in unpaid fees. The lawsuit was filed by event organizers The Gathery, who allege that James and her non-profit organization, 15 Percent Pledge (15PP), failed to pay for services provided for a celebrity gala in Los Angeles.
The event, dubbed the "15 Percent Pledge Gala 2026," was held in February with the stated goal of raising funds for Black business owners. Notable attendees included Meghan Markle, and Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mother, was honored.
According to court documents, The Gathery claims they advanced significant vendor and production costs for the gala, leaving them with $777,871.84 in unpaid principal, plus accrued interest and other damages. The lawsuit, filed in New York Supreme Court, names James, 15 Percent Pledge, and its fiscal sponsor, Philanthropic Ventures Foundation (PVF), as defendants. The total amount sought is $1,082,965.28.
The Gathery alleges that James, the founder of 15PP, personally managed the event and encouraged them to continue services despite payment defaults. The complaint states James approved scope-increasing change orders and assured payment, even while allegedly knowing or disregarding that 15PP lacked the financial ability to pay.
James founded the 15 Percent Pledge in June 2020 in response to racial injustices and police brutality. The organization encourages retailers to allocate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. James's own fashion brand, Brother Vellies, has been featured in publications like Architectural Digest, and her designs have been worn by various celebrities.
This is not the first time James has faced financial scrutiny. In 2021, reports indicated she had outstanding debts in multiple states. Her company, Cultural Brokerage Agency, faced tax warrants for failing to withhold employee income taxes and was fined for not carrying worker's compensation insurance. The company also faced legal challenges related to nonpayment of worker benefits.
The Gathery had previously produced the annual fundraiser for 15PP in 2024 and 2025 without issue. However, the suit claims that after making initial payments in October 2025, 15PP began missing payments in November 2025. PVF has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
The Post reported that James has reached out for comment.