Studio / About

How It All Started

Esmé is a woman-led, family-owned design label inspired by the vibrant diversity of the city. Esmé’s pieces blend contemporary aesthetics with elements drawn from our rich Eastern heritage. In a world dominated by fast-fashion, we prioritize in-house production, crafting each piece thoughtfully with our small team.

 

Production

All of Esmé’s pieces are made in small batches. We don’t work with factories or wholesalers.

In 2023, we started our own studio while continuing to collaborate with independent tailors in Java and Bali, our second home. Working with local artisans ensures that profits go directly to the creators of the pieces.

Fabric

We source fabrics from local businesses across Java and Bali, often incorporating deadstock materials for special collections. Indonesia generates significant amounts of overstock fabric from global fashion houses, and by repurposing these textiles, we transform them into beautiful pieces that would otherwise go to waste.

 

Shipping Materials

Minimizing plastic packaging is our first step toward reducing waste, as it’s often the first item discarded, even before the clothing is worn. We use recycled cardboard boxes and FSC® certified paper when shipping orders.

This is how Esmé came to be. The journey began when the designer worked with her mother and sister on laying the foundation of the brand, blending heritage with contemporary design into a signature expression of modern femininity.