Weaving in with Alexa Runsdorf of Henri
Shakespeare said, “The eyes are the window to the soul,” and I’ve always believed that. There’s something magnetic about the way eyes can draw you in, how they hold color and emotion in a way that feels almost unreal. Blonde hair and blue eyes are beautiful, of course, but common. When someone has brown hair and blue eyes, it’s rare, captivating. With Alexa, though, that’s only the beginning of what brings you in.
Her presence goes beyond what you see. Runsdorf grew up surrounded by artistry and design, her mother is the renowned jeweler Nina Runsdorf, and her sister, a photographer. Creativity runs deep in her family, and it shows. Whether she’s curating a space or designing something wearable, there’s an ease to the way she brings beauty into form.
We met through mutual friends, and right away I could tell Alexa had an exceptional eye. From the jewelry she lent one of my closest friends for her wedding to her namesake carpets and now her newest venture, Henri, she’s built a world defined by texture, refinement, and instinct.
As you’ll see in her Line-Up Q&A, Alexa’s taste is both thoughtful and effortless. Drawing from her time in textiles with The Row, Helmut Lang, and Gabriela Hearst, she brings that same attention to detail to Henri, her knitwear brand launched in 2025. A born-and-bred New Yorker, she carries the city’s quiet sophistication in everything she creates.
We talked with this multi-talented beauty to tap into her mind and get to know what sparks her creativity.
What inspired you to start Henri, and how did you bring the vision to life?
Ever since I was little, I dreamed of creating a brand. After college, I worked in trims and yarns design and development, which gave me a deep knowledge of materials, even though my degree was in art history, not fashion design. Knitwear felt like the most natural entry point for me. I actually began sketching sweaters before COVID, but it took me over five years to bring the vision into reality.
Coming from a family of jewelers and artists, how has that lineage of creativity shaped the way you approach fashion?
It’s influenced me more than I sometimes like to admit. Growing up surrounded by artists and designers, creativity became a natural language for me. After studying art history and interning in fashion, it felt inevitable that I would continue in that world.
Was there a particular moment when you knew you wanted to create your own brand?
There wasn’t one single “aha” moment, it was always my dream.
When you design, are you thinking about a specific person or lifestyle, or is it more about the material guiding the outcome?
Both. I design for myself and the people closest to me. On one hand, I’m deeply casual - I love oversized, unisex pieces. On the other, I wanted options for moments when I feel like dressing up, without sacrificing comfort or ease. That’s how our sets came to life, pieces for special occasions that let you feel comfortable, always look put together, and still feel like you are yourself.
What has been your proudest moment since launching Henri? Seeing my friends wear it.
One night I went to dinner at Bernie’s in Greenpoint, and everyone at the table showed up in Henri. It was such a special feeling.
Alexa with her mom, Nina, and sister, Kate
If you could give advice to someone looking to build a fashion label with purpose, what would it be?
Quiet the second-guessing voice and just go for it.
Looking ahead, how do you see Henri evolving, do you imagine staying focused on knitwear, or expanding into other categories
Knitwear will always be at the heart of the brand because it’s where I feel most knowledgeable and comfortable. But I do see Henri slowly growing into a full ready-to-wear label. We’re already dipping into other categories (next collection we’re launching a blanket and a knit bag) so it’s a gradual evolution that I want to take very slowly.
What’s your personal style philosophy, and how does it influence the brand’s design?
Ease and comfort. If I don’t feel comfortable, I won’t wear it. That principle guides everything I design.
How has New York influenced Henri’s aesthetic and ethos?
I like to think Henri can live anywhere, but designing for New York naturally brings in a practicality. I think about the wearability of each piece in a city where you’re always moving.
If Henri were a New York neighborhood, which one would it be and why?
Brooklyn Heights maybe? It’s close to the city but just far enough to feel like you have space to breathe. You can cozy up in your knits at home, but you’re only a short walk from a great dinner where you might wear one of our viscose pieces.
What’s your perfect day in New York—from morning to night?
Waking up with my boyfriend and my dog, going for a long walk, grabbing coffee on a beautiful fall day, pancakes at home, and then a fabulous dinner somewhere downtown.
If not New York, what city is another runner-up favorite?
Paris!