About Niné

Niné was founded by Jeannine Rios following her graduation from Parsons School of Design in 2022.

The brand began unexpectedly during a visit to her grandmother's home in Mexico. Feeling creatively uninspired, Rios discovered a leather tannery just a few blocks away and purchased several hides to experiment with. Drawn to the material and the process itself, she began handcrafting a wet-molded leather corset. With no formal training in leatherwork and little understanding of traditional construction methods, she hand-stitched every pleat as it dried. The piece was imperfect, instinctive, and unlike anything she had made before. It reignited her inspiration and became the foundation of what would become Niné.

Originally self-taught, Rios later sought out craftsmen in Mexico, Spain, and Italy to refine her techniques while maintaining the intuitive approach that first drew her to the material. Today, every Niné piece is created by hand, with a focus on sculptural form, texture, and the unique character of each hide.

Named after a childhood nickname given to her by her father, Niné reflects a deeply personal connection between creator and craft. The brand is guided by a quiet, meditative design process rooted in faith and observation of the natural world. Light through a window, the movement of trees, birdsong, and the rhythm of the wind often become the starting point for new ideas.

Rather than forcing leather into uniformity, Niné embraces its individuality. Natural markings, variations, and imperfections inform each design, allowing the material itself to guide the creative process. The result is a collection of pieces that are bold, sensual, and intended to endure.

Created between New York, Mexico, Chicago, Spain, Estonia, and wherever the work leads next, Niné exists at the intersection of craftsmanship, artistry, and exploration. Each piece is designed to make a statement, something timeless, eye-catching, and made to be worn for years to come.