In trend, traits are ever-changing and more and more fast-moving—and whereas they will undoubtedly convey a contact of enjoyable to on a regular basis dressing, they not often make for foundational wardrobe items that may stand the take a look at of time. This is exactly the premise behind ESSENthe cult Australian footwear and equipment model that is all about “the essence of less”.
Founded by Dutch-born, Melbourne-based Marre Muijs in 2016, ESSEN has reduce by means of the style noise with its timeless, understated designs that put high quality and wearability first. Steering nicely away from the “more, more, more” mentality that dominates elsewhere, the model is best-known for its essentials-only edit of shoe silhouettes, all hand-made to order by knowledgeable artisans in Europe and solely sometimes refreshed in new seasonal fabrications. Each ESSEN piece is designed to seamlessly slot into the trendy lady’s wardrobe, convey a sense of ease to her on a regular basis, and be worn, cherished and lived-in for years to return.
Here, founder and artistic director Marre Muijs lifts the lid on the trendy world of ESSEN, and shares what life seems to be like behind the scenes of her nine-to-five—from morning rituals and artistic inspiration to the teachings she’s realized alongside the way in which.
(Image credit score: Courtesy ESSEN)
I am unable to begin my morning with out… A morning cuddle with my son, Max, a robust oat flat white, and a minute within the morning solar (when it seems). Those small pockets of calm set the tone for the day.
The strategy of getting dressed will depend on the rhythm of the day… And how shortly I want to maneuver from one factor to the following. I like items that work laborious with out asking something of me: robust tailoring, clear strains, nothing overly treasured. I’ve all the time dressed with a sense of versatility moderately than chasing newness. I normally begin with one anchor and construct from there. If it may carry me from studio fittings to dinner, it’s the appropriate alternative.
My workplace necessities are… Pens, a measuring tape, espresso and a good playlist, which may be something from Olivia Dean to techno.
My post-work rituals? Once dinner is completed and Max is asleep, I verify in with our workshops in Italy as they begin their morning. Because of the time distinction, I usually find yourself working late, so I all the time shut the evening with a guide to unwind. Right now, it’s ‘Song of Solomon’ by Toni Morrison.
(Image credit score: Courtesy ESSEN)
ESSEN was constructed on three rules… Conscious design, thought of consumption, and moral manufacturing. Those values nonetheless information how each model begins.
I discover design inspiration from… A niche I see in actual life—a shoe I can’t discover, a operate that isn’t being met. I don’t design for seasons or traits; as a substitute, I design when one thing feels genuinely helpful or related. We all the time start with black; it strips every little thing again to kind and proportion. If the model resonates, we introduce new tones or develop manufacturing—we work solely in small batches or on-demand to cut back waste. The purpose has all the time been to create items that develop into a part of somebody’s day by day rhythm, not one thing worn as soon as and forgotten. That’s the type of longevity that evokes me.
Before ESSEN, I spent years working throughout totally different components of the style and artistic industries… And it turned clear the place the business was lacking the mark. So a lot of what was being made felt out of step with the type of considerate, enduring design I wished to see. That hole turned the motivation to create ESSEN: a everlasting assortment of contemporary, no-compromise staples that assist on a regular basis life.
(Image credit score: Courtesy ESSEN)
I’ve all the time believed an outfit can provide you power quietly, just by feeling proper. Shoes, particularly, set the tone for the way you progress by means of the day, so that they should be comfy, versatile and enduring. ESSEN items are hardworking classics: stunning, comfy and thoughtfully made. My hope is that when a lady wears them, she feels grounded and goes into her day with confidence.
The neatest thing about my job is… Working with different creatives and extremely expert craftspeople. That’s one thing I by no means take as a right. I additionally love fixing actual wardrobe issues, particularly after we can create bespoke pairs for girls who don’t match commonplace sizes. Good design ought to all the time be inclusive. And on a larger degree, I’m energised by the problem of bettering outdated programs in our business. Trying to do issues in another way isn’t all the time the simple route, nevertheless it feels significant.
(Image credit score: Courtesy ESSEN)
There have been so many significant, memorable moments to date… I nonetheless vividly keep in mind seeing somebody sporting ESSEN on the road in London for the primary time. Seeing the model featured in print for the primary time was one other pinch-me expertise. Launching our collaboration with Whistles on the River Café in London was a actual milestone, too—an iconic model, an iconic venue, and a room filled with unimaginable ladies who’ve supported ESSEN over time. And launching our partnership with Renoon, bringing digital product passports and full provide chain traceability to our prospects, felt like an necessary step ahead. If a small model like ours can do it, bigger manufacturers don’t have any excuse.
The most necessary lesson I’ve realized is… That you want to remedy one thing significant. Building a model is demanding, unpredictable and barely linear, so it’s a must to genuinely love what you’re doing. I’ve realized that curiosity, resilience and integrity matter greater than something. You can’t management what arrives at the doorstep, however you may management your response. And a lot of enterprise, particularly small enterprise, is about navigating change with a regular hand.
(Image credit score: Courtesy ESSEN)
How has the enterprise developed over time? ESSEN began in my London bed room, and now we’re based mostly in Melbourne with a slowly rising crew. That shift has formed how we function, how we join with prospects and the way we root the model in neighborhood. We’ve spent a lot of time educating prospects about pre-order and small-batch manufacturing, serving to them perceive why selecting fewer, higher items issues. Behind the scenes, navigating worldwide logistics, tariffs and transport has been a steep however necessary training. It has allowed us to develop thoughtfully whereas defending the standard the model stands for.
Currently, I’m engaged on… A couple of new designs, together with a driver shoe, a work bag, and a new earring that I’m notably enthusiastic about. All are in numerous levels of prototyping, and I hope to introduce them within the coming months. I’m all the time exploring new concepts, however I solely transfer ahead when one thing feels genuinely helpful.
There are a lot of thrilling issues on the horizon for ESSEN in 2026… We’re opening our first ESSEN studio in Melbourne, which seems like a sluggish, intentional milestone. I designed and carried out your complete fit-out myself, which has sparked a new curiosity in interiors and homeware. It seems like a pure extension of our ethos: considerate design that helps the way in which we dwell. I imagine in transferring with intention, however I’m additionally formidable about the place ESSEN can go. I’m hopeful about discovering the steadiness between these two forces and persevering with to construct one thing that creates actual affect for folks and the planet.