Katie Nehra

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Photographer: Rainer Hosch
Creative Director: Deborah Ferguson

Denim jacket by Citizens of Humanity, denim shirt by Mih, skirt by COS

Katie Nehra is a screenwriter, actress, and fashion designer based in Los Angeles. We sat down with her to discuss her clothing line Nehra Simone and her multifaceted career.

Katie, can you share some of your background training that has influenced your triple career as an actress, screenwriter and designer?

I went to Cal Arts and then finished school at The Neighborhood Playhouse in NYC. When I came out to LA, I studied at The Groundlings, which really taught me how to write with other people and collaborate.

When did you start your screenplay writing? On what film?

I started with writing sketch comedy at The Groundlings. Then went on to write a one woman show that was performed in NYC and LA.

Did your role in Alex in Venice have any effect on how the screenplay evolved?

It did evolve in the sense that Lily was an important piece to Alex’s story, but that movie is her story not Lily’s. When you’re writing and acting in a film you must adhere to the story. As tempting as it may be to go off on a tangent because you as an actor want to do that, one must exercise restraint.

What inspired you to take the leap from designer x actress to writer?

I’m very “do it yourself.” Probably too much so! Whenever I was reading scripts for auditions, I would wonder how this garbage was being made. A friend of mine whom had seen my one woman show said I should write a film. I didn’t think I could, but he’s very persuasive!

Your elevated, coveted sportswear brand seems to have started with a small DIY capsule collection. Can you describe the process from then to now, having a complete, high end multilabel brand ?

The process is a complete nightmare, to be honest. I think making clothes on your own, not under a label or house, is one of the most challenging things one can do. It’s so time consuming and frustrating if you care about fit. 1/8” can throw off an entire design and you have to rely on so many different people to get the final product right.

Top and skirt by 3.1 Phillip Lim, boots by Fendi

What sort of team do you have to keep your brand forging ahead?

My team is very small. It’s just a pattern maker, production manager and an assistant.

What designers and or brands inspire you both creatively and as a business model?

I recently read about an athletic brand that makes everything from the fabric to the product from recycled plastic bottles, in Taiwan. I was very impressed and intrigued by the process.