Aurora James founded Brother Vellies in Brooklyn in 2013 after years of traveling and working across Africa, where she fell in love with the craftsmanship of local artisans making beautiful things that deserved a global audience. Born in Jamaica, raised in Canada, and educated at fashion institutes in New York, Aurora built a brand that was ethical, artisanal, and undeniably luxurious. In 2020 she founded the 15 Percent Pledge, a nonprofit calling on major retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Brother Vellies has won multiple CFDA awards and Aurora was named CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner.
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About Brother Vellies
Aurora James founded Brother Vellies in Brooklyn in 2013 after years of traveling and working across Africa, where she fell in love with the craftsmanship of local artisans making beautiful things that deserved a global audience. Born in Jamaica, raised in Canada, and educated at fashion institutes in New York, Aurora built a brand that was ethical, artisanal, and undeniably luxurious. In 2020 she founded the 15 Percent Pledge, a nonprofit calling on major retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Brother Vellies has won multiple CFDA awards and Aurora was named CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner.
