A look from Esse’s latest capsule collection. Image supplied.
Sustainable label Esse recently launched a new capsule collection offering a versatile range of essential pieces that are suitably pared back. Designer Alicia Tsi has kept the range compact focusing on comfortable classics that have a timeless appeal. The collection features beautiful natural textiles that a dream to wear including extrafine merino wool, silk, cashmere and Japanese denim.
The capsule is designed with simple but chic layering pieces in mind with an easy to wear selection of styles and hues that blend seamlessly into the modern woman’s wardrobe. For this collection, Esse has launched a new Wardrobe Hero in the form of the Treble Jacket that focuses on the concept of modular fashion. Esse’s goal is to make dressing up more efficient and put creativity back into the customer’s hands with mix-and match capabilities that create a highly personal result.
“When you think of modularity with respect to fashion, it’s usually some sort of utilitarian component like zips, press studs or velcro on a garment,” says designer, Alicia Tsi. “I want to challenge that notion and offer adaptability and versatility for womenswear in a well-fitting, feminine way.”
The Treble Jacket was a year in the making to perfect the fit and components and offers great versatility. The garment starts as the Treble Vest and builds from there with a cropped Treble Bolero that can be layered over the vest for a sleeved option that becomes a blazer. The Treble Bolero also comes with a removable sash for the wearer to change up their look. When purchasing the Treble Jacket, a customer essentially has two jackets and the potential to construct at least four different combinations which is a smart alternative to buying several pieces to get the same result.
“The challenge was how to make this piece modular. In our first design iteration, we started with having removable sleeves which gave the wearer an option to wear this piece as a vest or blazer. However, the idea wasn’t aligned with our design ethos, which was to have a clean, feminine and simple style. Inserting buttons at the shoulder section were a little too fussy and unflattering,” adds Alicia Tsi.
“We pivoted, and started examining the cross-section of the blazer pattern, looking at how we could break up the components that make up the blazer. When we finally arrived at an overlapping bolero layer; the difficulty was getting the proportions right, so that the fit of the blazer would flatter all body types and function properly in day to day situations. This involved a few rounds of testing – to get the length and fit of the bolero and vest right, and where the bolero would almost meld under the collar of the vest to give that element of surprise.”
The Treble Jacket is available on a made-to-order basis and there is also a matching tailored pants or shorts on offer so customers can create a fully co-ordinated look. When purchasing the jacket customers can choose to personalise their garment by making customisations like adjusting the sleeve length, shoulder width and length. The result is effectively an almost tailored suit at a fraction of the price of a made-to-measure piece. Esse’s Treble Jacket is currently available for $309 in three hues and will become a go-to piece for many seasons to come.
Images supplied.