Brother Vellies
Brother Vellies is a luxury accessories brand founded by Aurora James in 2013 that makes handcrafted shoes and handbags with artisan workshops. Its first collection was produced in South Africa, and production later expanded to Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico and Haiti.
| Founded | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Aurora James |
| Production | Artisans in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico and Haiti |
| Award | CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund 2015 |
| Website | brothervellies.com |
What is Brother Vellies?
Brother Vellies is a footwear and handbag label founded by designer Aurora James. The brand is built around traditional craft, working with artisans to produce its pieces by hand.
History
James launched Brother Vellies in January 2013 with 3,500 dollars of savings. The first collection, for spring 2014, was made in South Africa, and the brand later expanded production to Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico and Haiti. In 2015 James won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, the same year the brand began producing handbags.
In 2020 James also launched the 15 Percent Pledge, an initiative asking major retailers to dedicate 15 per cent of shelf space to Black owned businesses.
Products and positioning
The brand's range includes:
- Desert boots, shoes, slippers and sandals
- Handbags, produced since 2015
- Accessories made with artisan workshops
Why it matters
Brother Vellies is frequently cited as an example of a luxury brand that places artisan production and craft preservation at the centre of its business model.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Brother Vellies?
Brother Vellies was founded in 2013 by designer Aurora James. She won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2015.
What does Brother Vellies make?
Brother Vellies makes handcrafted shoes, including desert boots, sandals and slippers, as well as handbags. Its pieces are produced with artisans in several countries.