Studio

How It All Started

Esmé, a women-led and family-owned design label, was inspired by the diversity represented throughout the city. Esmé’s blends contemporary aesthetics with elements drawn from our rich Eastern heritage. While also acknowledging the prevalence of fast-fashion, Esmé prioritizes in-house production, striving to create pieces that are thoughtfully made by our team.

 

Production

All of Esmé’s pieces are crafted independently in small batches. We are not working with factories or wholesalers.

We recently started our own small studio for production in 2023 while also collaborating with independent tailors in Java and Bali Islands, our second home. Working with independent tailors ensures that profits go directly to the creators.

Fabric

We source fabrics from local businesses across Java and Bali. For special collections, we incorporate deadstock materials, as Indonesia generates a significant amount of overstock materials from global fashion houses. These repurposed textiles are thoughtfully transformed into new pieces that would otherwise go to waste.

We also recycle or repurpose leftover fabric scraps by donating them to artisans in Jakarta, Indonesia.

 

Shipping Materials

Minimizing plastic packaging is our first step to reduce waste, as it is usually 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. The brand’s commitment became clear: strive to ensure that all of Esmé’s pieces are sourced and created to benefit all who have a part in the final product.