Esse Studios

Esse was started by Charlotte Hicks, its founder and creative director, who had spent more than ten years designing for global fashion brands. She set it up out of frustration with how much excess and waste the fashion industry produces.

Rather than following the usual seasons, Esse releases its clothes in Editions twice a year, each designed to be worn with the last. Pieces are released in limited volumes and the label does not hold sales. Esse says 98% of its garments are made in Sydney by more than ten specialty makers, and that 95% of its fabrics are certified. It began working towards B Corp certification in 2022.