About AKO



Hi! I’m Jessica Kochem, the artist behind AKO by Jess.

My journey with art has always been self-taught. Every carving, every print, every design comes from a process where I’m both the student and the teacher, learning as I go, discovering techniques, and shaping my style through practice and intuition.

Originally, I wanted to name my brand “Amor Kind Of.” Being Brazilian, amor (love) is at the heart of who I am. But the name felt a little too long, so I played with the initials, and that’s how I found AKO.

I live in Aotearoa New Zealand, surrounded by nature and culture that inspire me deeply. With AKO, I want to celebrate the connection between nature, sustainability, and creativity, blending my Brazilian roots with the land I now call home.

I believe that fashion should be ethical, thoughtful, and kind. That’s why every AKO piece is made following a slow fashion approach, hand-carved, hand-printed, and created in small batches.

I source only high quality materials from suppliers that operate under fair and lawful working conditions, ensuring that no child labour or exploitative practices are involved.

Each print is unique, carrying the character and individuality. No two pieces are ever the same. AKO by Jess is more than just clothing, it’s a reflection of my learning journey, a love for handmade processes, and a commitment to conscious living. It’s wearable art, created slowly, meaningfully, and with heart.

As I researched the name AKO, I discovered that it holds beautiful meanings in different languages around the world, all aligned with the spirit of this project:

  • In te reo Māori (New Zealand): To learn or to teach

  • In Shona (Zimbabwe): Advice or passed-down wisdom

  • In Tagalog (Philippines): I or me

  • In Hawaiian: To sharpen

  • In Norwegian/Scandinavian contexts: Courage or bravery

  • In some African dialects: Inner strength, wisdom, and resilience

These layers of meaning made me fall in love with the name even more! Just like the prints I make, AKO carries stories, roots, and connections across cultures, and I hope you feel that too. :)

OBRIGADA!