Nash, where are you from?

I grew up in Maryland, near Washington DC, but I’ve lived in New York for over 10 years so consider myself a true New Yorker now. 

How does NYC play a part in the ‘Nash’ story?

NYC is everything to the NASH story. So much of each collection’s inspiration and mood is taken from my everyday experiences living in downtown Manhattan – whether it’s referencing people’s style I see on the subway or just that feeling of grittiness and utility the city brings. When designing each collection, I’m constantly thinking of how the city guy lives and how he’s moving. I want to create pieces he can wear day to night and are made for an adaptable lifestyle. He should be able to throw on a NASH fit whether he’s running to the bodega, going to meet friends for dinner or even if he’s caught in a rainstorm.

What is the core ethos of the brand?

The brand exists in the white space between techwear and streetwear. Our ethos is rooted in the idea of “urban utility” - we merge the functionality & experimentation of techwear with the wearability & lifestyle feel of streetwear. This blending of sportswear attitudes with technical sensibilities is the foundation of the brand.

The brand is named after yourself. Does the brand name have any further meaning?

My name Nash comes from the word “international”- my dad is Korean and my mom is from New Zealand. Not only did I want the brand to feel personal to me, but I always wanted it to be something that was not limited to any boundaries or borders, both literally and figuratively.

What do you want it to represent in the future?

Ultimately, I want the brand to operate in its own atmosphere and be able to translate globally to people from all different cities, backgrounds and nationalities. Looking into the future, I want the brand to continue to feel intentional, distinctive and utilitarian but still enduring and timeless.

As the brand grows, is there one person you would love to see wearing Nash?

I played basketball my whole life including in college and so many of our designs and silhouettes are inspired by the sport. The tunnel walk has become the new runway and athletes are becoming the new style icons. I’d love to see someone like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jordan Clarkson or Lebron in one of our pieces.

If you could choose a collaborator to work with, rather it be a brand or designer who would it be?

We haven’t expanded into footwear yet and it’s always been a dream of mine to collaborate on my own sneaker. I’d love to partner with a brand like Salomon not only because I’m such a fan of the brand but also because I think we share a similar DNA and design language.

What does the near future look like moving forward for Nash?

I want to continue to build our community and fill this white space that I feel on one else in our market is truly owning. I want to keep creating functional, unique pieces that are still wearable and accessible to our community. We currently only release one collection a year which I think helps the brand maintain an intentional and sustainable feel while also making each collection that much more special.

Lastly, when in NYC, what’s your favorite after midnight spot to eat?

That’s tough but I gotta go with Corner Bistro, 7th Street Burger or Joe’s Pizza.