WHISTLES X ESSEN: In Conversation with Marre Muijs
You founded ESSEN in 2016. What was it that sparked the desire to create the brand, and can you tell us about its founding principles?
Before ESSEN, I’d spent years working across different roles in the fashion and creative industries. Over time, I became increasingly aware of how the industry was missing the mark - it felt out of step with the kind of thoughtful, enduring design I wanted to see and be part of.
While working in footwear, I realised how difficult it was to find shoes that truly balanced style, comfort, and ethical production. That gap became my motivation to create ESSEN: a permanent collection of modern, no-compromise staples that elevate everyday dressing.
From day one, ESSEN has been built on three guiding principles: conscious design, considered consumption, and ethical production. Every piece is created with longevity and versatility in mind, so you can build a wardrobe that feels intentional and effortless, while reducing your impact on the planet.
We carefully select certified leathers and recycled materials whenever possible, producing exclusively in small batches or on-demand to reduce waste by up to 90%. Each pair is crafted by skilled artisans in solar-powered European workshops, using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.
The result is a collection of timeless essentials — shoes that are made to last, and made with care.
How would you say your own personal style taste has influenced the design language of ESSEN?
My style has always leaned towards simplicity, strong tailoring and classic pieces. I’ve never been drawn to excess — I’d rather own fewer pieces I truly love and wear on repeat.
That philosophy shapes everything at ESSEN. I also believe an outfit can give you strength. Not in a loud way, but quietly. When you wear something that feels right, that has integrity, it changes your posture and your energy. Shoes, in particular, are the foundation of your wardrobe. They set the tone, complete the look, and anchor how you feel and move through the world - so they need to be comfortable, versatile, and enduring.
Each design begins with a true purpose, never a season or trend. We can often spend years refining a design to ensure it is perfect, because the simplest shapes are often the most difficult to get right.
Can you tell us about your collaboration with Whistles and what drew you to working alongside us?
I first discovered Whistles while living in London and was drawn to its focus on timeless wardrobe staples and quality materials. Whistles has a way of capturing contemporary dressing that feels both effortless and refined.
This collaboration came together so naturally. We share a similar design philosophy, and I’ve loved working with a team that truly cares about the details. Both Whistles and ESSEN are committed to creating pieces that transcend trends: elevated signatures that are versatile, beautifully made, and designed to last.
We have a wonderful community in the UK that has supported ESSEN from the very beginning, and we’re delighted to finally offer them the opportunity to experience our shoes firsthand — to feel the materials, explore the fit, and witness the craftsmanship that defines every pair.
The result is a collection that feels modern yet enduring — the kind of pieces you’ll reach for again and again, confident they’ll stand the test of time.
What is your approach to selecting collaborative partners for ESSEN?
Our collaborations have always come about quite organically, often sparked by a shared appreciation for design and purpose. For me, the most important consideration is an alignment in values — whether a dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability, ethical production, or a shared commitment to creating timeless design. When these foundations are in place, partnerships grow naturally, unfolding in a way that is both authentic and meaningful.
Touching upon the collection, can you tell us the inspiration behind reworking ESSEN signatures in exclusive colourways and materials?
After viewing Whistles’ new collection, the starting point was to reimagine ESSEN’s classics while exploring new textures and tones. As a guide, I always ask myself: Will I still love this in ten years?
I’ve always been drawn to understated classics with a twist — pieces you can wear every day, but carry a quiet sophistication. For me, comfort is the ultimate luxury. Shoes should be practical, but they should also elevate how you feel: your posture, your confidence, your presence.
For this capsule it was important that the materials and colours remain relevant over time — shoes that feel just as right years from now as they do today, and that become a meaningful part of your wardrobe.
Your footwear has long been a favourite of influencers and editors alike. How important has it been for ESSEN to build this tight-knit community surrounding your brand?
It’s always exciting to see ESSEN on influencers and editors, but honestly, I feel the same thrill when I spot someone wearing our shoes on the street. Designing and perfecting a style can take years, so seeing them integrated into someone’s everyday life - that’s the real reward.
Community is central to ESSEN. From our close relationships with artisans, to the conversations we have with customers and their feedback that helps shape future designs, it’s all connected.
When someone tells us they’ve been wearing the same pair of Foundation Flats for years and they’re still a daily go-to, that means everything to me. It shows that what we’re doing is resonating not just in principle, but in practice.
Artisanal craft is a key pillar of ESSEN’s production methods, with all your shoes made in Europe using hand-crafted processes and premium materials. Why is it important for ESSEN to focus on this slower, more considered approach to production?
For us, slow fashion is more than a method — it is a mindset. We recognise that embracing a slower approach requires a different kind of relationship between a customer and their wardrobe. One grounded in patience, intention, and an appreciation for the story behind each piece.
By taking our time, we are able to invest deeply in every stage of creation — collaborating with skilled artisans, perfecting the fit, carefully selecting materials, and never taking shortcuts. The result is shoes that not only fit beautifully but are truly made to last.
Through our partnership with Renoon, we bring this story to life in a clear and accessible way via Digital Product Passport QR codes on each shoebox. Rather than simply telling you about the work behind the scenes, we invite you inside our workshops, to meet the artisans, explore the processes, and trace the full journey of each pair — from the origins of our certified materials, to the distances travelled, and the hands that shape them along the way.
When you understand the story, the time invested in creating a piece becomes part of its value. Patience transforms into respect — for the makers, the materials, and the product itself.
This thoughtful investment ensures that each pair is more than a shoe — it is a story you can wear.
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