NESSY KHEM eyewear is timeless and bold brand created for strong characters-legends in nay domain who leave their marks on the world with a sense of purpose, thoughtfulness, and authenticity. 

LAUNCHED IN 2018, NESSY KHEM BEGAN WITH A VISION TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN CLASSIC AND FASHION-FORWARD STYLES WHILE UNCOMPROMISING IN ITS DELIVERY OF QUALITY, DETAIL AND INDIVIDUALITY.

No matter how you wear them, sunglasses have a captivating affect on any canvas. Some people slip a pair on to sharpen their style or emphasize the symmetry of their face, while others use them as a decorative shield to hide behind from the sometimes daunting outside world.

“AS A DESIGNER, I WAS PARTICULARLY DRAWN TO THE POWER EYEWEAR HAS IN REFLECTING ONE’S MOOD AND ACCENTUATING ELEGANCE, NO MATTER GENDER, OCCASION OR PERSONAL AESTHETIC. AFTER MOVING TO NEW YORK CITY, I WAS STRUCK BY HOW ESSENTIAL IT IS TO OWN A PAIR OF SHADES THAT CAN BE USED TO NAVIGATE EVERY SITUATION YOU’RE THRUST INTO WHILE LIVING IN A BUSTLING CITY. THUS, MY VISION FOR FUNCTIONAL EYEWEAR THAT NEVER COMPROMISES ONE’S CHARACTER AND UNIQUE STYLE, GAVE BIRTH TO THE FIRST COLLECTION OF NESSY KHEM EYEWEAR.”

– NESSY KHEM 

A CHAT WITH NESSY KHEM FOR KREEP. MAGAZINE

How did your passion for design start and how your creative process work?

I was living in the French Alps at the time around high school, and started to use first, my mother’s sunglasses, then my father’s. At 15 years old, I was slowly putting money on the side to buy a pair of Chanel sunglasses. If it was about dressing up, nothing could stop me. Then I found myself watching the runway channel and was fascinated by the beautiful material on super models. WOW. I was hooked.

How fashion nowadays helps and motivate you to become a fashion designer?

Fashion is interesting nowadays, because we are seeing a total shift in the industry between social media, ecommerce, less retail, more integration of the designers input into the brand, and connection to

the customers. I am constantly learning; I am curious of how the industry will look and how I can be part of it in my own way—finding where I feel comfortable or challenged to bring something to the styles of tomorrow.

Can you tell us a little bit about your references for the last collection?

My last collection Vaganza comes from my love for the electronic music scene and my travels through the years. It also was inspired by figures like Pao Lopez, the talented creative director of Experience who designs the colorful stages of the underground scene all over the world.

Blush, Tangerine, Flare and Navy are the color palette inspirations. A key component is an evil eye chain which elevates even more style and elegance around your face. The frame comes in oversized, square and aviator.

I wanted to manifest a clear self-expression with no filter, the honest understanding that your look can be a bit different than the norm, but you embrace it! I took the “extra” out of extravaganza to give you the authentic eccentric look you will feel while wearing VAGANZA.

Do you see yourself as an example for the new generation in fashion industry?

I don’t know if I am an example, but what I can say is I am learning from others and am inspired to work hard to get my vision out there. I’m telling my story, using a consistent portrayal that says I want to be there for a long run. The idea for me to be a long-term label, start by building the foundations with the collections one by one, as I started with the NEVER DIES collection.

How fashion competitions can change the business industry? Will you apply at some in the future?

Fashion competitions can be a great way to get exposure by participating and mentored by icon designers like Diana Von Furstenberg who use to be the chairman of the CFDA for 13 years. The CFDA has inspired many young talents to create their own products and try to develop the most outstanding, new creation on the block. I could apply but I have already few projects in my plate. However, making a different product is always something in my mind, via a collaboration or just Nessy Khem. I hope I can make people happy with my ideas and creativity no matter what.

How do you want people to feel when they wear your eyewear?

I want them to feel like my eyewear is the exact accessory they need—one that complements the rest of the outfit, or an outfit that will complement your face (eyewear trick!). I want NK to remind people that they are unique wearing a designer who think quality and for them to exude confidence while rocking it. I want them to think “of course I wear Nessy Khem because I am not just someone who wears sunglasses, I am different, I am a legend in my domain.” As humble as that! 🙂

What do you think it’s your best-selling piece from your collections?

The timeless Black and Smokey Black frames have been selling the most. I am not surprised, I would ‘ve bought the same to start if I were a customer. I also had a limited edition for each style call 80’s I had 10 of each beautiful black frame and marron lenses, which give you a total vintage look, trés chic!

My first collection was built off the primary fashion colors of black, silver and gold. As the more worn colors, you always start with something more classic before branching off into more diverse looks.

NEVER DIES Collection is Nessy Khem’s vision for functional eyewear that never compromises character and unique style. Revising the classics of sunglass history, the collection features three core frame shapes in 27 unique shades. Each pair of sunglasses comes with a signature snake-style chain made of silver, available in gold, silver or black. 

What do you think about the opportunity of selling your products on online platforms, you think it might be a good showcase for your work and your future?

I do think it is a great opportunity to be in e-commerce all around the world. Now, I also think it is important that people be able to try them on. I like to be featured in some concept stores. A vitrine is necessary for a designer like me to be seen. However, I don’t think a big exposer is necessary. I produce 200 pieces per style including the colors, which makes them more exclusive and I want to stay like that. Caring Nessy Khem is like wearing a Bijou.

What young designers need right now from fashion industry to grow up?

I think what is important for a young designer is to be able to create and not have the financial burden of having to think about it too much. I talk about the business side of having a brand. Not everyone has accounting kills, and the time you have to spend dealing with other aspect of the company, takes you out of you time creating the collections. I can’t tell you how much anxiety it is already for me.At the end of the day, this is also how you recognize the one that makes it and the one who don’t. When you have a proper comprehension of the business side of the brand needs, and how they execute the important phases, you probably succeed more than other talent. Being talented is not enough, hard work is mandatory in this industry.