NIMANY HISTORY
NIMANY is a New York-based luxury accessories brand, renowned for its unique fusion of Persian and Middle Eastern motifs. The brand's repertoire includes evening clutches, handbags, fashion jewelry and clothing, all designed to appeal to those seeking something different and exotic. NIMANY embodies a perfect blend of modern artistry and ancient elegance.
In the vibrant heart of New York, where cultures converge, NIMANY stands out as a beacon of luxury and artistic innovation. Known for its unique blend of Eastern and Persian motifs, NIMANY captivates the hearts of New Yorkers and global luxury consumers alike. Central to NIMANY's identity is the stylized letter "H" in Farsi and Arabic Alphabets, known as "ه", an emblem that transcends linguistic boundaries, embodying the brand's essence of elegance and sophistication.
NIMANY's Creative Director, Nima Behnoud, a multidisciplinary artist celebrated for his pop art paintings and sculptures, has infused his artistic vision into the brand. His approach combines vibrant, contemporary art with timeless design elements, making each piece a masterpiece.
History Timeline:
2004-2008 2008-2011 2011-2014 2014-2017 2017-2020 2020-Present
NIMANY began as a T-shirt brand with a clear vision: to modernize and popularize Persian and Middle Eastern calligraphy by transforming it into contemporary streetwear. “This was a dream I had nurtured since my teenage years in Tehran, but it was the creative pulse of New York City that finally inspired me to bring it to life.”
I reinterpreted traditional calligraphy, infusing it with a fresh, modern aesthetic that resonated across diverse audiences. The T-shirts immediately found their niche, proving that I wasn’t the only one captivated by the fusion of Persian and Middle Eastern motifs with the edgy, urban style of 2005 street fashion.
I quickly realized that relying on a single product category—T-shirts and hoodies—would limit the brand’s potential for growth. We began diversifying into leather goods, belts, and bracelets, which marked the start of experimenting with new materials. Around the same time, fashion brands were taking advantage of breakthrough technology for printing on luxurious fabrics like silk, and we followed suit by introducing scarves and neckties. These product expansions helped increase the brand’s visibility and attract a larger following.
During this period, to physically introduce the brand to potential followers, we embarked on a global tour reminiscent of a rock concert, hosting fun and unconventional trunk show sales. These events allowed people from different cities to experience the brand up close—touching the products, hearing the story behind the brand’s DNA, and connecting with the creative vision of Nima Behnoud. This hands-on approach played a key role in building a stronger connection with our audience.
In the years that followed, the fashion landscape transformed, with streetwear becoming the new standard of luxury. Our audience’s evolving tastes demanded more, and we were ready to meet the challenge. I knew exactly where to draw inspiration for the level of opulence required at this pivotal moment: the rich, extravagant history of Persia and the Middle East.
We expanded into jewelry, accessories, and handbags, with each piece telling a story, woven with threads of ancient heritage and modern sophistication. The epic tales of the Persian Book of Kings now found their home in evening clutches, perfect for lavish galas, while fashion enthusiasts adorned themselves with chokers featuring contemporary interpretations of timeless calligraphy.
Like many brands, we evolved alongside our audience, telling the story of a rich culture in a way that was both accessible and captivating to all. The beauty and allure of Persian and Middle Eastern culture could now be appreciated even by those unfamiliar with it. The next step was to introduce them to the scent of extravagance so deeply rooted in Persian heritage. Our fragrance collection, Leyli and Majnoon, for men and women, captures the essence of this timeless romance—the protagonists of one of history’s most intricate love stories. This paradoxical tale of love, immortalized by a medieval Persian poet, became the perfect symbol of Persian opulence. Now, the world could experience its fragrance.
The ever-evolving fashion world began to embrace collaborations between designers and studio artists, which perfectly aligned with NIMANY’s vision. Nima Behnoud’s art had already inspired many of our products, and now, these paintings could stand on their own. Once the unseen source of inspiration behind scarves and handbags, these works were finally available for art lovers to display in their homes. This marked the beginning of NIMANY’s home collection.
Our next step was a natural progression toward the pinnacle of Persian aesthetics: rugs. Our modern rugs, hand-woven in silk and wool, each designed by Nima, are a stunning fusion of timeless calligraphy and contemporary scale. They represent the latest evolution of our growing brand.
Our handbags quickly became the centerpiece of our collection, as we pushed the boundaries with unconventional shapes and materials. We expanded our range to include both luxurious evening clutches and versatile shoulder and hobo bags. Among these, our opulent evening clutches—accompanied by extravagant trunks, each a true museum-worthy piece—became standout icons.
With the introduction of unique jewelry, we elevated the brand to a whole new level, far beyond our humble beginnings as an underground T-shirt label. Today, we enjoy a devoted following eagerly awaiting each new release, whether it’s a handbag, jewelry piece, or silk scarf. But this is just the beginning. Our foundation is solid, our DNA is defined, and the possibilities ahead are limitless.
The Icon "H":
In Persian, the letter "ه" (H) signifies "همه" (hameh), which means "everything" and embodies inclusivity and wholeness. This concept of "everything" reflects NIMANY's philosophy of embracing all aspects of art and culture, creating a sense of unity and completeness.
The letter "ه" (H) is also associated with beauty, harmony, and balance in Arabic litreature. It appears in words like "هبة" (hiba - gift) and "هدية" (hadiya - present), symbolizing generosity and evoking the warmth of shared moments and memories.
NIMANY's stylized "H" thus becomes more than just a logo; it transforms into a symbol of unity, generosity, and elegance that speaks to the cultural values of the Middle East. It represents the universal appeal of NIMANY's designs, which draw on Persian and Middle Eastern influences without compromising their global allure. This emblem of style and unity invites you to become part of a story that spans cultures and generations.
