Inside the New Ahlem Store in Los Angeles: Founder Ahlem Manai-Platt Shares Insights
October 1, 2025
Exciting changes are on the horizon for **Ahlem Manai-Platt**, the designer behind the sophisticated eyewear brand, **Ahlem**. After starting her journey in Venice, Los Angeles, with much enthusiasm and a touch of risk, Ahlem is now preparing to unveil her second store, located in the trendy **Melrose Place**. This new boutique marks a significant milestone, joining establishments in glamorous places like Paris and New York. Recently, Ahlem collaborated with investment group **1686**, opening doors to thrilling new projects and visions for her brand.
To dive deeper into her journey and insights, we caught up with Ahlem in sunny Los Angeles.
**Ahlem Manai-Platt**: “Los Angeles is profoundly special to me. It’s where **Ahlem** began, and this city offers a creative freedom unlike any other. My first boutique in Abbot Kinney had a pioneering spirit, and now with Melrose Place, I wish to embrace a more mature, elegant vibe. This new space will reflect the evolution of the brand while telling another aspect of our story.”
**Ahlem Manai-Platt**: “Each store is like a page from my diary, reflecting my emotional state during its creation. The Melrose boutique will feel more like a home than a traditional store, designed with purposeful materials such as metal, wood, and plaster. The atmosphere will strike a balance between serene and intense, inviting visitors to linger and soak in the elegance, regardless of whether they intend to make a purchase.”
**Ahlem Manai-Platt**: “Bespoke services are a beautiful manifestation of my passion for this craft. They focus on forging genuine connections, listening to individual personalities, and crafting unique pieces that truly resonate. In this fast-paced world, I treasure the time and care taken to create something exceptional and lasting.”
**Ahlem Manai-Platt**: “Absolutely! California holds emotional significance for me, shaping my design philosophy. It fosters a unique relationship with light, space, and time, heavily influencing how I envision **Ahlem’s** eyewear — pieces that naturally integrate into one’s life.”
**Ahlem Manai-Platt**: “Yes, a second store in NYC is on the horizon, along with locations in Chicago. However, I believe in opening only where it truly makes sense, where each boutique can tell its own story and connect meaningfully with the community.”
**Ahlem Manai-Platt**: “The Japanese appreciate sincerity and craftsmanship. They notice the attention to detail that often goes unspoken, which resonates deeply with how we operate. It’s heartwarming to feel that connection.”
**Ahlem Manai-Platt**: “Entering a partnership was something I never envisioned. However, my connection with them is personal and genuine. They truly respect my vision and creative processes, allowing me to grow without compromising my identity.”
**Ahlem Manai-Platt**: “Retail expansion is key, but we also prioritize strengthening our brand and team, improving our manufacturing, and producing exceptional products. We aim for sustainability, focusing on lasting relevance rather than immediate results.”
**Ahlem Manai-Platt**: “Absolutely! I’m continuously driven to explore new materials, shapes, and collaborative opportunities. The idea of bespoke designs that feel like art captivates me, and I look forward to sharing these innovations with our community.”
**Ahlem Manai-Platt**: “I have no regrets about leaving California. Paris is my true home; it has shaped me profoundly. While California continues to inspire me, Paris offers an authenticity that resonates deeply within me moments of creation.”
As we await the debut of Ahlem’s Melrose Place store, let’s celebrate the intimate journey of creativity and craftsmanship that shapes our individuality. Join us in exploring how eyewear can be a beautiful extension of who we are. Stay inspired and embrace your unique vision—you never know where it might lead you!
