Discover HEIJST – Sculptural Leather Accessories
At NIN Luxury Lingerie, we believe in offering more than lingerie, we offer pieces that empower. That’s why we’re proud to introduce a new designer in our collection: HEIJST, the bold and refined leather accessory label by Dutch designer Melissa van Heijst.
Each piece by HEIJST is a powerful statement — hand-constructed, wearable in multiple ways, and designed to celebrate the female form with strength and intention.
Meet the Designer
Based in Arnhem, Melissa van Heijst graduated in 2018 from ArtEZ as a Product Designer, with a background in graphic design from SintLucas. During her studies, she discovered her love for working with flexible materials, especially leather. But it was a formative internship with a leather lingerie designer in Berlin that truly shaped her vision.
“The combination of that internship and Berlin’s nightlife defined how HEIJST came to life,” she shares. “I realised I love working with the body as a frame, it’s such a dynamic and intimate canvas.”
A Signature Style
What makes HEIJST stand out? It’s the fusion of clean lines, sculptural structure, and multi-functional design. Melissa’s approach is grounded in geometry: “I find it fascinating to turn a flat surface into a three-dimensional piece with minimal techniques,” she says. The result is work that feels architectural yet wearable, refined yet bold.
Most HEIJST designs can be worn in multiple ways. Take the STRAP belt, it can be styled classically around the waist, worn in reverse, or even draped over the shoulders like a harness. Her pieces are designed to adapt to your body and mood, whether layered over lingerie or incorporated into your everyday wardrobe.
Craftsmanship at Its Core
Every HEIJST piece is made by hand using traditional tools and techniques from saddlery and shoemaking. Melissa works almost exclusively with bridle leather, a material chosen for its firmness and shape retention, but also for its sensual properties.
“Leather is more than a material, it’s a full experience,” she explains. “The scent, the texture, the softness and strength… it becomes more beautiful the more care you give it.”
Melissa’s dedication to craft is evident in every stitch and her passion for learning ensures each piece evolves. “I’m still discovering new techniques with every collection. It’s endless.”
Sensuality as Strength
For Melissa, sensuality isn’t about appearing soft or seductive. It’s about feeling strong and unapologetically yourself. “I’ve never been a ‘girly girl.’ I feel sexy when I feel confident and powerful,” she says. “That’s what I want my designs to embody — strength, confidence, and presence.”
Her collection reflects that philosophy. The pieces add structure and edge, while enhancing the softness of lingerie underneath. “Leather and lingerie form a beautiful contrast, each one makes the other stronger.”
A Natural Match with NIN
At NIN, we believe in personal attention, made-to-measure pieces, and helping women find pieces that reflect who they truly are. That’s why this collaboration with HEIJST feels like a perfect fit.
“All my work is made-to-measure,” Melissa says. “The right fit is essential, for comfort, but also for the full experience. NIN understands that deeply.”
Her Favourite Piece? The Venus Set.
“The Venus Bra and Venus Thong weren’t actually designed as a set. They were created years apart, but eventually found their way to each other,” Melissa tells us. “That’s the beauty of a slow design process, when things come together naturally, it creates something unexpectedly harmonious.”
What She Hopes You Feel
Powerful. Confident. Seen.
That’s the experience Melissa hopes every woman has when she wears HEIJST. Her work isn’t just about accessorizing, it’s about owning your strength.
Now Available at NIN
HEIJST is now available online and in our boutique. Discover sculptural leather harnesses, belts, bras and accessories, each handcrafted to honour the body, ignite confidence, and bring out your most powerful self.
Come try them on. See how they feel. And let HEIJST become part of your story.
