Award-winning designer and creative director, Aurora James, established luxury accessories brand Brother Vellies in 2013, opening a flagship store five years later in Greenpoint, Brooklyn in June 2018. The Toronto native, New York based James is also the founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge .

James founded Brother Vellies with a mission of supporting traditional African design practices and techniques alive whilst creating artisanal jobs. The shoes, boots, and accessories are handcrafted with artisans spanning the globe from Nairobi to New York, and South Africa to Morocco.

The Brooklyn store is a well-lit, inviting space with concrete floors and soaring ceilings showcasing the unique, decorative shoes, boots, and bags that are woven, tooled, feathered, and textured.

"Brother Vellies creates luxury accessories that celebrate cultural histories and timeless design."