Coastal Preppy with Americana Charm: The World of Kiel James Patrick
Origins and Founding
Kiel James Patrick was founded in 2008 in Rhode Island by Kiel Patrick James and Sarah Vickers. What started as a handcrafted bracelet company inspired by coastal New England traditions quickly evolved into a full lifestyle brand offering apparel, footwear, and accessories. Each collection captures the spirit of Americana, vintage prep, and seaside leisure.
Ownership and Leadership
Still independently owned, the brand is led by the husband-and-wife duo, who serve as both designers and lifestyle influencers. They maintain a strong personal presence on social media, where they blend storytelling, travel, and product launches into one cohesive brand narrative.
Aesthetic and Design Language
KJP is preppy, nostalgic, and unapologetically East Coast. The brand channels a vintage Ralph Lauren vibe—think chunky cable knits, embroidered chinos, cozy plaid shackets, and whimsical holiday sweaters. It’s built around coastal New England iconography: anchors, sailboats, American flags, and camp-style graphics. Pieces often carry seasonal themes—fall foliage, Fourth of July, Christmas in New England—infused with a sense of storytelling and tradition.
Notable Pieces
- Flag Sweaters – Cotton knits featuring vintage-style American flags or nautical emblems.
- Camp-Inspired Fleece Pullovers – Cozy quarter-zips with pine tree and moose motifs.
- Bracelet Collection – The original rope-and-anchor bracelets that launched the brand.
- Holiday Sweaters – Retro-inspired Christmas and winter-themed knits with classic charm.
- KJP Button-Downs – Oxford shirts with nautical embroidery or pastel stripes.
Famous Fans
- Blake Lively
- Reese Witherspoon
- Sadie Robertson Huff
- Nina Dobrev
- Jennifer Garner
The Future
KJP continues to grow through seasonal storytelling drops, coastal Americana-inspired campaigns, and limited-run collaborations. As the brand expands into kidswear, pet accessories, and lifestyle home goods, it continues to champion timeless preppy style through a lens of New England nostalgia.
