Interview with Nessy Khem
DIES
Nessy
Khem
Never Dies Collection · Handcrafted Japan · WESH, Nolita NYC
Eyewear designer, curator, and founder of WESH — the Nolita concept store championing independent designers from around the world.
How did you start your brand, Nessy Khem?
Nessy is the nickname for Nesrine. I come from a very diverse background — born and raised in France; my father is Tunisian and my mother is Moroccan. I've loved fashion from a young age, but my passion for it developed more and more living and studying in New York City, where style is just at your window. NY exposed me to an even more eclectic style.
In 2018, I decided to create Nessy Khem, and I wanted my designs to be specifically handcrafted in Japan. When I first began creating the concept for my brand, quality was always the focus. I began thinking about my closet and how you build it — you have your basic pieces (what I call the primary of fashion) and then you add exclusive pieces. This is how my first collection "Never Dies" came about: classic frames in gold, silver and black with the added touch of the silver chain.
"Every piece in the collection is designed to evoke its unique heritage and allow people to draw together an entire outfit with just one accessory."
"My mission with Nessy Khem is to create contemporary eyewear that reflects my experiences and travels around the world. I believe in the power of storytelling. Nessy Khem eyewear exists to help people feel confident in who they are and express their personality and individuality."
nessykhem.com ↗Nessy, what are your greatest inspirations and influences?
My greatest inspirations are the streets of the world, films, singers, performers. My favourite designers are Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, and Pierre Cardin.
And I am always looking forward to a proper dress-up event. My favourite place to do it is Burning Man — for eight years now.
How is Nessy Khem different from others in the market?
In question of design, my first thought was: for whom am I designing these collections? The response has always been the same — they're for everyone. All my collections including "Never Dies" will be unisex.
Wesh is an Arabic slang, often used in the French suburbs as well as the French rap scene — meaning "what's up," a way of greeting each other. Both my upbringing and my professional background were catalysts in my vision for WESH.
I witnessed first-hand the unfairness of the game for emerging designers. This led me to wanting to support and help other emerging independent designers pursue their passion by giving them a platform to share their ideas, promote their talent and tell their story. My first pop-up was in Summer 2021, where I successfully curated 25 brands from all over the world. From there came the idea to turn this into a permanent concept store.
"Moving to New York in my early twenties and having lived here for the past fifteen years highly shaped the woman I am today. The city opened my eyes to the opportunity of being whoever I wanted to be."
"I feel very lucky to call the city my home, to have grown up as a woman in such a cosmopolitan and multicultural place where freedom comes first. It taught me to always speak my truth and to build relationships with people that I am now proud to call my chosen family."
Antakly Projects — originally Ninu Nina — has been in conversation with the most inspiring voices in fashion, art, design and culture since 2003. Nessy Khem is a close friend and a force — someone whose work Antakly Projects is proud to present as part of this new chapter.
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The world is in total fusion of style — and never dies. ✦And for the personal rants on life, opinions you didn't ask for, and the occasional existential spiral: follow me on Substack.
