While her previous life might have seen her helping Fortune 500 companies and states with their cross-border international arbitration disputes, today Founder of The Happy Space Company, Nassim Secci is the go-to woman for anyone in Hong Kong who needs an overhaul of their home organisation. Here the Iranian-American talks to PAKT about the one item that represents her, and the sartorial moments that have shaped her wardrobe — from memories of elementary school outfits, to the Chanel bag she purchased when she became a lawyer.
1) Describe your style in 3 words.
Relaxed, feminine, classic.
2) Earliest fashion memory.
I was in elementary school in the 1990s and my mom had bought me a black and white, checkered blazer paired with a burgundy, button down shirt that I wore with jeans and a belt. I had never worn anything like it before and I distinctly remember feeling so confident in it and that I looked so sharp! It was an early lesson in trying new things and how clothes can affect your mood and confidence.
3) What’s the most precious item in your wardrobe?
My mother’s Cartier Roadster watch with pink dial. She bought it for herself, on a whim, for her 50th birthday, simply because she felt she deserved it — and she did, because she had just beaten blood cancer. It represents so many things to me: it’s a reminder that our time here is limited, that we should always treat ourselves well, and of course it reminds me of my mom’s strength.
4) What’s on your current fashion wishlist?
I’ve been wanting to design a piece of jewelry with an emerald, as a gift to myself in honor of my son’s birth last year. It’s his birthstone and I just love the colour and the classic, timeless look of emeralds.
Fashion-wise, I haven’t bought a pair of heels in a long time because of covid and having two young kids, so I’m eyeing these Aquazzura beauties. I also love the look of this Nour Hammour jacket; she has the most beautiful leather pieces.
5) Favourite item in your wardrobe that you will keep forever?
A Chanel bag I bought in 2010. It was my first big purchase after starting my first job as a lawyer. I had just passed the Virginia (US) bar exam and wanted to celebrate! It represents reaching a huge goal I worked very hard for.
6) What is the best fashion advice you have received?
It might be considered more life advice than fashion advice, but: Don’t wait for a special occasion to wear your best/favourites.
7) Who are your style icons?
Amal Clooney, Blake Lively, Princess Diana, Victoria Beckham.
8) A recent shopping find?
I love these Reebok by Victoria Beckham white trainers. I haven’t worn Reeboks since i was in high school but the sleek design, and not to mention super comfortable fit, are just perfect.
9) If you could have anyone’s wardrobe whose would it be and why?
Victoria Beckham because she always looks so well put together, sleek, chic and sexy!
10) If a museum asked you to donate one item from your wardrobe that represented you what would it be?
A scarf I got from a visit to Iran. It has a Persian poem written in beautiful Farsi calligraphy. It represents my heritage — both of my parents are Iranian. As a museum piece, I would symbolically burn part of it to represent the headscarf burning that has been occurring in Iran. The country is seeing its most widespread and longest-lasting uprising and protests since 2009 against the brutal Islamic regime, and I wouldn’t want it to be mistaken as condoning the mandatory use of headscarves.
11) What will we never find in your wardrobe?
Fur
12) Who would be your dream collaborator and why?
Muji — to create practical home organising products with their signature clean look, but with a slightly elevated aesthetic.
13) Top 3 accounts to follow on social media.
The Home Edit for their organising eye candy — although not always very practical, it’s beautiful to look at. Ashley Stark for her gorgeous interiors and spaces. Marie Kondo — Asia’s globally-recognised organising expert. I love her work and she has brought the professional organising industry to the forefront.
14) Favourite music to get event ready to.
1990s R&B and hip hop. I was born and raised in Washington, DC. It’s what I grew up with and it will always hype me up for a night out!
15) If you could go back in time, which fashion era would you choose and why?
I’d choose to see Iran in the 1970s prior to the Islamic Revolution. Even today with the mandatory hijab, the women are incredibly fashionable. I would want to see what it was like before the hijab, with my own eyes, and to see the Iranian interpretation of the incredible 70s fashion!
Empress Farah Pahlavi in Nowshahr, Iranian singer Googoosh, Women in Tehran (all ca. 1970s)
16) What is your go to outfit?
A bodysuit and jeans. It’s simple and versatile. I can dress it up with heels and a blazer, or dress it down with a pair of hightop sneakers. But also a long, flowy dress because we live by the beach.
17) Who would you invite to your dream fashion dinner?
Coco Chanel, DVF, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg (who wore fashion collars over her black judicial robes) — strong, pioneering women who empowered other women.
18) Favourite fashion apps?
Net-a-Porter.
19) Where was the last place you travelled to and what are the can’t miss shops?
We were in my husband’s hometown in Sardinia, Italy (Santa Teresa di Gallura). The little boutiques in the city centre have lovely pieces. Also, the closeby town of Porto Cervo is a shopping haven, with beautiful shops like Esmeralda Boutique.
