We sat down with Charlotte Hicks, the Founder and Designer of Australian brand ESSE Studios, to discuss and explore the intersection of career, fashion, and sustainability.

What inspired your transition from working with renowned Australian designers to founding ESSE Studios? 

It was always the dream, always the end goal. I always had a vision on what I wanted professionally and personally. Not only did I know I wanted to create a brand, build a world and affect change outwardly. I was also passionate about affecting change inward - create a business, build a culture, a team, and mentor. That is something I am equally as passionate about. 

How has the inception of ESSE Studios, shaped and influenced your personal style?        

Such an interesting question because I think what influences your personal style can be so dependant on external factors - lifestyle, age etc. Small nuances that do really affect your lifestyle. For example building a business generally means long hours and hard work. So hardly conducive to the self expression I once had! I do think most designers feel that way though we are so busy working in the background there is such a functionality to our wardrobe which can differ to our customers. ESSE was also built on a much more ‘considered’ ethos so I do think my personal style has become more ‘considered’ as a result of that too. That sense of novelty and play though is still there and I am looking forward to exploring more of that as the brand evolves too.

In your view, what factors should customers consider when curating an investment wardrobe?

Quality in all areas should be first and foremost. Fabrication, craftsmanship and fit. Look at the composition of the garment, where was it made? Literally ask yourself, does it feel it is going to last? Also you don’t need to buy everything in one go. Just start and keep evolving. 

Sustainability has always been a big part of ESSE’s philosophy. How is it informing some of the next steps of the brand?

We are really excited to share some thing we are implementing in the near future which are just a continued evolution of the brands philosophy to always “be better”. These are centred around more radical transparency and resell.

What are your favourite ESSE styles and why?

I tend to love things for different reasons. I love things because the Italian fabrication is exceptional. I love things because I never tire of putting it on in the morning. I love things because I worked really hard to get it right and it paid off. Behind every piece there is a little story to tell so some its the story I have the soft spot for.

As ESSE Studios approaches its impressive 5-year milestone, what future plans do you have in store for the brand? 

Such exciting plans ahead. Can wait to share more. The brand has had such a colourful start. The first year I was only doing it part time, then the moment I decided to dive in full time the pandemic hit so 2 years of ‘lock down’ more or less. I feel like we are only getting started! Working on a lot of initiatives in the next year and then the grand vision... well I just want to keep building a world that women can escape too, a world that makes them feel better about themselves!