Welcome to this week’s spotlight, where we delve into the creative world of fabric illustrators Kelesi and Jamie, the dynamic duo behind AFF&JAM, a vibrant wearable fashion brand based in South East London.
I had the pleasure of meeting Kelesi and Jamie a few weeks ago, and I was immediately struck by their infectious smiles and cheerful personalities. Their positivity is not only contagious but is also beautifully reflected in their latest collection for Farly.
The Collection
Their Spring/Summer edit, exclusive to Farly, features garments made from a blend of silks, linens, and cotton mixes in a palette of beige, creams, lemons, and limes. Each garment is hand-painted with their signature symbols and designs, making every piece a unique work of art. Some of our favourite items from this fresh edit include the Kenkey Shirt, an ivory sheer relaxed vintage shirt with an abstract pattern in muted pastel tones; the Cho Cho Trousers, ivory block pattern drawstring waist culotte trousers with a minimalist abstract design; and the Kelewele Shirt, a sunshine yellow relaxed vintage shirt featuring bold contrasting symbols.
The Essence of AFF&JAM
AFF&JAM stands for African and Jamaica. Kelesi is from Ghana, and Jamie is from Jamaica. They source preloved and vintage clothing, each piece hand-painted using silk and fabric inks. Their pieces are carefully hand-printed and painted, making them uniquely exclusive.
Inspired by a love of arts, music, and life, their origins are a profound part of their identity. Faces, features, and femininity inspire their lines and shapes. The symbols they paint represent their culture, identity, and love of nature, featuring images of flowers and ceramics from their heritage, along with squiggles symbolising coily, curly hair.
Conscious Fashion
At the heart of AFF&JAM is a commitment to conscious and sustainable fashion. The term “reworked” perfectly encapsulates their approach to vintage and recycled items, which they recreate individually to promote waste reduction. Their dedication to sustainability extends to their packaging, which is entirely plastic-free and 100% recyclable. Each piece is sourced from fair trade-certified factories and crafted from locally sourced, organic fabrics.
Their aim is to grow consciously while promoting empowerment and body positivity. AFF&JAM’s collection for Farly is not just about fashion; it’s about making a statement. Each garment tells a story of creativity, sustainability, and cultural identity, making this collection a must-have for anyone looking to add a unique touch to their wardrobe.
We hope you enjoy the video and love the collection!