Esse represents sustainability, quality and minimalism, all whilst being crafted with the utmost love and care.
Derived from the medieval Latin word, Esse means ‘existence’ or ‘to be,’ which is the backbone of the brand, inviting us to delve deeper into the pieces we put on our backs each and every day, and become aware of source of each garment we purchase. As a ‘seasonless’ brand, Esse chooses to design their pieces with their customers in mind, constantly tweaking both their designs and their fit, to ensure that the pieces stay in your wardrobe for a long time, which, in return, limits their ecological impact and our own.
Striving to redefine the fashion industry and create epic change, Esse’s core values surrounding their minimal environmental impact shows in their pieces. Carefully crafted, designer Alicia Tsi chooses her fibres attentively, taking into consideration water usage, land use, eco-toxicity, human toxicity and greenhouse gas emissions. Standing by the belief that beautiful garments do not have to come with a compromise of the environment and our humanity, every detail of Esse’s garments, from the materials to the stitching, is chosen specifically for long-lasting wear without the negative impact, and their newest season, ‘Rhythm,’ is no different.
Harmonizing functionality and genius, Esse brings to the table wardrobe essentials, inspired by classic designs and customer feedback, and providing both sophistication and poise into their clothing. For their Spring season launch, ‘Rhythm’ explores repetition and its power, as well as its reflection within nature. Embracing unstructured tailoring, earth tones and unique details as well as new colour-ways and fabrication, the newest pieces to the Esse collection only serve to complement one another, encouraging that once dreaded outfit repeating, which can be left in the early 2000s.
Following a successful pop-up at BLOC in Mt Eden earlier in the year, Esse recently opened their first permanent retail space a few months ago at BLOC. The store’s interior design takes cue from its brand ethos, incorporating upcycled and rescued materials throughout the store’s fit-out. Alicia tells Verve, “We wanted to create a little sanctuary and bring nature in, all while treading lightly on the environment. We worked hard to salvage, upcycle and forage pieces for our store – like our centrepiece – a beautiful marble table top – which was an offcut from a local kitchen benchtop supplier.”
Alicia Tsi and her brand Esse are paving the way in being the change that the fashion world needs. Keep an eye out for their new season launch, online and in-store now. Who said that a good outfit needs to come with a big compromise?
Words: Annabelle Taurua
co
