Brother Vellies Olivia Pump

After a life-changing trip around Africa, specifically Kenya, Ethiopia and Morocco, Aurora James, a Toronto-native and New York-transplant, was inspired by the local techniques and textiles that she saw around the country. It was not long after that her accessory and shoe label Brother Vellies was born. James used traditional African styles that have been passed down from generation to generation in her designs and was adamant about utilizing local African artisans to create shoes. Her workshops are based in nine countries, from Kenya to Mexico, where her pieces use sustainably sourced fabrics and vegetable-dyed leathers.