Nom Life’s Ewa and Jeromy Dish on Their Love of SPAM and Epic Clothing Collab With the Brand
New York-based couple Ewa and Jeromy Ko are best known for their Nom Life blog, sharing their love for food and travel with the world—and their latest venture incorporates a foodie brand close to both of their hearts.
This month, the duo shared their new limited edition SPAM Brand x Nom Life Collection clothing capsule, featuring striking unisex pieces built for comfy everyday wear, encapsulating the cozy nostalgia the two have for the brand. Even more, all profits from this new collection through June 30, 2023, are going to the non-profit org Convoy of Hope to feed the hungry, do community outreach and so much more.
As SPAM lovers ourselves, we fell in love with the collection at first sight, and we have the privilege of not just getting to check out the collection first-hand, but also speak with Ewa and Jeromy themselves to learn more about how it came to be. Check out our reviews of the collection below before discovering their great story.
SPAM Brand Concert Crewneck: $55
This collab didn't have to feature one of the comfiest sweaters of all time, but it's clear that no corners were cut in bringing it to life. This crewneck has such a clean look, with an ultra-plush interior that'll make you want to grab it anytime the weather gets chilly. We're huge fans of the classic SPAM logo above the heart, but the text on the back is even more fun. It reads like concert tour dates and locations, but instead features each of the new SPAM varieties introduced over the years, and when they first came out.
(via SPAM)
SPAM Varieties Everyday Concert Tote: $20
We can never have too many tote bags, and we seriously wish that the rest of our collection was as sturdy and reliable as this SPAM Varities Everyday Concert Tote.
(via SPAM)
In addition to some great line art of a SPAM can, it also includes the playful SPAM "concert dates"—and on top of the great look, it's made of thick canvas, with a roomy interior and long, tough handles that make it great for toting around just about anything.
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SPAM Classic Vintage Print T-Shirt: $25
This SPAM Classic Vintage Print T-Shirt is printed on an unbelievably soft Bella + Canvas tee, and after wearing it, it will quickly become one of your favorite shirts in your collection. The feel is just right, and with the SPAM logo over the heart, and the bold SPAM can in grey, blue and gold on the back, it also makes a big statement.
(via SPAM)
SPAM Brand 'The Dad' Hat in Navy: $25
Last, but certainly not least, in the collection are "The Dad" Hats, embroidered with the SPAM logo, as well as the year the classic brand was established.
(via SPAM)
They're also very comfy, with a solid construction and an adjustable closure in the back, so they'll fit just about anybody. And, if you'd rather rock a lighter version of this great cap, it's also available in a sandstone hue.
The Collab
Sweety High: How exactly did your collaboration with SPAM come to be?
Ewa and Jeromy Ko: This is a really special collaboration for us! SPAM products are ingredients we grew up with and have so many memories of sharing with loved ones, as so many people do. It's a beloved ingredient for many immigrant families like ours. We found ourselves cooking family recipes with SPAM Brand or putting our own spin on a dish using it and sharing it on Nom Life. It's such an iconic, nostalgic and delicious ingredient that really resonates with people.
The SPAM Brand team reached out because they wanted to bring fun and fresh items to fans both old and new! The brand noted our passion not only for the brand and fashion, but also for our love of storytelling through food and culture. We felt all of these things could work together to co-create some unique and cozy pieces. Coming from a merchandising background, I was so excited for us to be a part of everything—from ensuring super soft fabrics for each garment to drawing inspiration from the heritage of SPAM products for the designs, we really wanted the whole collection to be classic casual pieces that brand fans, old and new, will love.
Being able to create a limited-edition collection with a brand we've grown up with feels like a full circle moment and it's been truly special to partner together!
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SH: How are the comfy vibes and versatility of SPAM integrated into the new collection?
Ewa and Jeromy: We drew inspiration from both the iconic classic SPAM Brand products, but also vintage band tees, and archived SPAM Brand artwork. We wanted it to feel nostalgically designed but in modern fits and fabrics for classic, everyday pieces. We wanted each piece of this collection to be as versatile as SPAM products are. We created each piece to be a go-to, everyday item that's super soft, easily layered into your wardrobe and of course, cozy and comfortable.
SH: Can you tell us more about the pieces in the collection? Do you each have a favorite item?
Ewa: The SPAM Brand x Nom Life Collection is a five-SKU collection including a tote bag, a crewneck, a T-shirt and two hats. The collection is unisex with easy-fit silhouettes and are easy to size up for an oversized fit. We wanted the collection to be casual, easily wearable and accessible with quality fits and fabrics. The collection is great whether you are on the go or just kicking back at home!
We love all the items, but my favorite item is probably the tote bag. My brother, Andrew, who does creative direction for Nom Life, drew out the SPAM can design for it and I love the mix of the listed SPAM product varieties type with the SPAM Classic can. It's such an easy, go-to bag to run your day in, I already use it all the time! Jeromy's favorite item is the dad hat that has two easy wearable colorways that match everything. He's always wearing one of the colorways!
SH: What are some of your personal favorite recipes for incorporating SPAM into yummy dishes?
Ewa: Jeromy's grandmother grew up cooking SPAM Classic for family gatherings, and it's something that he now makes for our family. SPAM products are such a cross-generational ingredient, which makes the recipes all the more special. Whether it was Hong Kong Macaroni Soup, SPAM Classic, and Eggs or Fried SPAM Classic, the smell conjures up feelings of togetherness and comfort. SPAM products to this day are still a staple in our recipe rotation for those dishes and things like SPAM fried rice, and SPAM musubi.
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SH: How did you decide to donate all of the proceeds from the collection to Convoy of Hope? What does the organization stand for, and why did it feel like the perfect fit for this collaboration?
Ewa: As a long-term partner with the SPAM Brand, Convoy of Hope is a non-profit organization on a mission to feed the world and bring help and hope to communities that need it most. Jeromy and I are also passionate about improving food access in the U.S. and around the world, and were aligned with the SPAM Brand that the proceeds from this collection can truly help this important work continue.
SH: Is there anything else we should know?
Ewa and Jeromy: The SPAM Brand x Nom Life Collection is a limited-edition collection that is only available while supplies last and it's going quickly—order your merch today!
Curious about more celebrity food collaborations? Click HERE to learn how Selena Gomez's Serendipity Ice Cream flavor came to be.