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With a brand based in family, ease, and longevity, NERANESE founder Sonja Nesse creates romantic womenswear from her homebase in sunny LA. Her looks are ultra-wearable, with relaxed, breezy fabrics perfectly suited for a busy life on the go, no matter the season. Below, Sonja shares some of her favorite pieces from NERANESE’s newest collectsion alongside insights to her life as a working mom.
How and why did you start NERANESE? The concept for Neranese took shape after my daughter was born. At the time, I had felt abandoned by the brands I used to love, but I was also ready to move on. I had a vision for a brand that was beautiful, easy to wear, and celebrated universal beauty in all of its lovely shapes. I also have always been deeply interested in and committed to sustainability in fashion—and so, with baby in arms, I outlined a collectsion that was as low-impact and ethical as possible from the start as my way of honoring her and her generation.
When did you know you wanted to be a designer? I got the idea when I was in middle school. I know how cliche this is, but Vogue was a big influence. An aunt of mine gave me her magazines and a neighbor taught me how to sew. By high school, I was sketching and making all sorts of crazy things to wear to school. When the time came to apply to college and select a major, I decided that being a designer was exactly what I wanted to do—and so I just went all in toward making that dream happen.
Give us a rundown of your daily routine: I give my dog Eggplant a walk around the neighborhood while the sun rises, then as soon as bebe wakes up I hit the ground running. Coffee and breakfast together, drop her off at daycare, run errands around DTLA, handle email. In the afternoon, I like to work on creative endeavors whether it be research, sketching, taking photos, or anything else. Bebe comes home around five and I hang out with her and my husband until bedtime. After she gets tucked in, I try not to fall asleep myself because in the evening I theoretically try to save time for pattern making or catching up on other work.
Can't live without ___. Coffee and croissants.
How does living in Los Angeles influence your design? It definitely influences me with a leaning toward non-seasonality. Because it’s basically warm most of the year, I want a wardrobe that feels in season whether it’s March or September.
Go-to meal in Los Angeles: Tacos from Homestate.
Current style muse? Joni Mitchell
Tell us about your first job in fashion: My first job was for a company in New York that cranked out designer collaborations and new brands. The first collaboration I worked on was for Vera Wang, a total dream come true. It was grueling though. As an assistant I was basically thrown straight into the fire, but I’m so grateful for it now.
Do you have a favorite piece from your latest collectsion? The Freya Dress. The design is inspired by a vintage piece I wore nonstop while pregnant with my daughter (who it’s named after). So it’s one part nostalgia, but it’s also an incredibly flattering, gorgeous, and romantic style.
What staple piece will you always have in your closet? An easy jumpsuit and a beautiful dress.
What was your inspiration for your most recent collectsion? Romance of the ’70s meets ’90s nostalgia in real life. Gorgeous natural fabrics, soft hues, comfort, and ease in the modern world.
What three words describe your style? Feminine, minimalist, and relaxed
It’s basically a power move, and the fit is incredible. I’ve converted more than a few non-jumpsuit people with this piece.
The fabric is luxe, the neckline is great, and if you like high-waisted jeans, the length of the Bella is perfect.
