To mark the final capsule that we are launching, we invited some of our customers to don their most beloved Esse signatures.
These signatures are one of our first few styles and have withstood the test of time, constantly being reinterpreted and updated over the years. We truly believe that a well-made piece of clothing is meant to last and be loved for a long time, tiding you through the seasons and developing a relationship with you.
In a world that is moving faster than you can say ‘fast’ and changing quicker than you can say ‘quick’, the word ‘timeless’ has been thrown around quite a bit. From stay-at-home mums to busy career women, we’re so grateful to have dressed amazing women from so many walks of life. Hearing the wonderful stories these well-loved Esse garments have endured with you is a true testament to what ‘timelessness’ stands for.
As a tribute to our wonderful circle of women and our signature styles, we invite our leading ladies; our customers to tell us what timelessness means to them and how they have made these Esse signature styles their very own.
The V-back Tank Top
Germaine Tan
Tell us more about your style.
My style is not picking things that are trendy, not following trends that are very ‘in’ at the moment, but rather picking pieces that can be worn in many ways over a long time. Comfort is very important to me – I think many would describe my style as laidback, and people who know me would know that if my clothes are not comfortable; I would probably only wear them once and I would not wear it again. Comfort is super important to me instead of how I look.
Tell us about your lifestyle and why it is important to dress for comfort and function.
My lifestyle is active – my job requires me to walk around a lot, so comfort and function is key!
What’s your favourite feature of this top?
My favourite feature of this top is that it can be worn both ways. I also love the colour and slits, but if I had to pick just one, it would be that it’s very versatile.
Why do you like this piece and why is it timeless to you?
I like this piece because the colour matches well with the other pieces in my wardrobe. It’s easy to wear and goes well with pants and skirts; and with shorts too. I like to wear it both ways - with the back in the front for work and when I’m going out, I can wear it with the V-neck in the front. I can dress it up and down depending on how I feel and that’s why it’s timeless to me.
Radhika Mayani Sanghi
Tell us about your lifestyle and why it is important to dress for comfort and function.
I run a business and have quite a busy lifestyle, so I need to wear comfortable clothes that feel good on the skin and are functional. These features are important because it helps me to be confident in any situation!
Where do you wear this piece the most and why?
I wear this the most to girls’ lunches, at home and on the weekends because because of the comfort and style it brings.
How does wearing this piece make you feel?
Wearing this piece makes me feel confident, stylish and chic!
Karen Yap
When do you feel most confident?
I feel most confident when I’m wearing pieces that complements my look and that doesn’t necessarily have to follow fashion trends.
Tell us more about your style.
My style is minimalist and fuss-free, and I like clothes with freedom of movement.
What is the best compliment that you’ve received when wearing this piece
The best compliment I received when I wore this piece is that it makes me look confident.
Cross Back Dress
Venetia Foo
Tell us more about your style.
My style is simple, fuss-free but with something a little different.
Tell us about your lifestyle and why it is important to dress for comfort and function.
I am a working mum of two and I’m always busy and on the move, so I think it’s important to not only look good but to be comfortable especially in Singapore’s heat and humidity. The material of my clothes are very important.
What is your favourite feature about this piece?
I like this piece because of the material and it’s versatile. I can style it up or down as I like. My favourite feature of this piece is the cross back detail.
Describe this piece in 3 words.
In three words, this piece is elegant, versatile and flattering.
Germaine Jun-Khoo
Tell us more about your style.
My style now is classic, chic with a twist. It has evolved from laces, frills and structure since becoming a mum.
What does a timeless style mean to you?
A timeless style is something that is versatile, classic and that lasts for years. I have dresses that I have owned for years and each time I look at them (I look now, because I can unfortunately no longer fit into some of them) I fall in love with them all over again.
Where do you wear this piece the most and why?
I wear this the most to school runs because it’s soft, light and has a slight flare so I can dance in class with my 2 year-old.
How does wearing this piece make you feel?
Wearing this piece makes me feel light and relaxed - both important as I manage the terrible twos!
Trudy Zhang
Tell us more about your style.
My style depends on my mood for the day. It can range from being moody, playful, fuss-free, lazy or loungey. But mostly comfortable. And I find that colours can really lift one’s mood, so Esse’s colours do make me feel happier.
Where do you wear this piece the most and why?
I wear this the most to the office, on the weekends and even on vacation because it’s so easy to pack and it’s like butter (laughs).
What is your favourite feature about this piece?
I fell in love with this piece when I first ran my fingers on the material, the way it drapes and moves with me – it feels like a second skin.
What does a timeless style mean to you?
A style that is able to carry me through the seasons.
Organic Cotton Maxi Dress
Caroline Lin
Tell us about your lifestyle and why it is important to dress for comfort and function.
My lifestyle is much more relaxed now and I think it’s so important to dress for comfort and function because you just feel more confident!
Tell us more about your style
My style is understated and classic.
Where do you wear this piece the most and why?
This dress has seen me through many occasions and seasons. I simply love how it can be dressed up and down easily. An essential, classic and timeless style. The perfect dress really!
How does wearing this piece make you feel?
Wearing this piece makes me feel confident and amazing! Like I can rule the world :D
What are some of your favourite memories made when you were wearing this piece?
There was this one time when I was having a bad day. I decided to wear this dress and after putting it on, I received a piece of very good news!
Cheryl Foo
Why do you like this piece and why is it timeless to you?
I love this piece for the material, colour, length and because I can wear the back to the front!
Tell us more about your style.
My style is minimal. I am drawn to clean lines and unique details.
You own this style in a few different colours, tell us what drew you to this style.
I own this style in Terracotta and Olive and the feel of the material – how comfortable it feels on the skin as well as its ease of being able to dress up or dress down drew me to this piece. I noticed that this dress is made of 100% organic cotton and I love pieces that are made from cotton because it’s very breathable.
What does comfort mean to you?
Comfort means being free to move about, and this dress doesn’t restrict my movement.
How many times do you reckon you’ve worn this piece?
I think I have worn this piece countless times. I wear this almost weekly at home, rotating between the two colours, as I can transition from being home to going out seamlessly without having to put any extra touches to my outfit.
Phoebe Kho
Tell us more about your style.
My style is classic and minimalist with neutral grey and warm tones.
You own this style in a few different colours, tell us what drew you to this style.
I own this style in midnight blue, pebble and warm sand. What drew me to this style was because I owned this piece before my pregnancy, and when I got pregnant, I realised I ended up wearing this piece all the way through my pregnancy, all the way till the third trimester. I felt so comfortable in it that I didn’t even feel like I was pregnant.
What does comfort mean to you?
Comfort means garments made of high quality fabrics that feel like second skin when worn. And comfort also means garments that shape and flatter my silhouette, especially in the right areas.
What is your favourite way to the style the piece?
I love wearing this piece as it is, because you do not have to add anything at all! I pair it with very simple earrings, maybe a necklace and you’re good to go.
How many times do you reckon you’ve worn this piece?
I think I’ve worn this piece too many times to count. It’s such a staple and you’ll see me in this for work at least once a week, or definitely for lunch with my girlfriends.
Claire Ng
When do you feel most confident?
I feel most confident when I am balanced, grounded and being my authentic self.
Tell us more about your style.
My style is classic, functional and I tend to choose pieces that resonate with me.
Describe this piece in three words.
In three words, this piece is flowy, flattering and comfortable.
How many times do you reckon you’ve worn this piece?
I’ve worn this piece from anything from work to travel to gatherings with family and friends. It doesn’t matter how I feel that day – this dress has been the piece that I can fall back on.
What does a timeless style mean to you?
A wardrobe that can take me through all seasons and occasions in life.
Special thanks to Caroline, Cheryl, Claire, Germaine, Germaine Jun-Khoo, Karen Phoebe, Radhika, Venetia and Trudy for spending their Saturday morning with us and to Monica Lie for capturing these beautiful portraits.
Shop an encore of Esse’s signatures that have been reinvented for the year ahead here.