Insider: Katie Nehra.

name: Katie Nehra

occupation: Actress, Writer and designer of SIMONE

hometown: Baltimore, MA
homebase: Los Angeles

with so many creative talents in you; actor, screenwriter, now designer (you probably sing and dance too right?), what led you to design SIMONE? I can carry a tune! I was in between acting jobs and I have always loved clothes. And just decided I was going to make a line of dresses. Things I dreamed about, but could never find.

obviously, you're a qualified multi-tasker so describe your first three tasks in the morning, an important "to-do" in the afternoon and how you normally end your busy day. Every morning I deal with business first; usually calls to New York re: SIMONE and then I go workout at Tracy Anderson Studios w/Maria who rocks! Working out for me is such a great release and really clears my head. And we do many dance routines a lot to Jay-Z! Then, I usually have a writing session with my writing partner, Justin Shilton or work on Lock It Up (comedy website) with Alex Staggs. We are either filming or throwing around ideas. If I don't go downtown in the morning, I will go in the afternoon to check on new samples and production. My favorite way to end the day is usually with my best friend Kelly and my god daughter Riley. Or a sushi dinner with girlfriends.


*photo courtesy of Vogue

favorite films that you watch to get inspired by? I recently watched The Deer Hunter again and am really feeling red bandanas (I know kinda dark). The film 8 Women is beyond amazing! And one of my all time favorite films for fashion is Brian De Palma's Dressed To Kill.



describe your signature evening into the late night attire? You can usually find me in skinny jeans, a t-shirt/tank top and a SIMONE vest in the evening and if I go out I'll put on a short dress with boots.

3 pieces from SIMONE collection that every girl should have in her closet right now?
The leather heart vest I have been wearing every day for the past 3 months! A racer back silk tank and the He's Such A Stud dress.



favorite Hollywood moment as of right now (or all-time)?
I once told Denzel Washington that when I see him it's like woah! And I continued to explain how much I love him (after many cocktails).

when in New York City, name your favorite spot? The Mercer Hotel.

a room of one's own or a room full of glamorous people?
A room of one's own without a doubt!