Built on the notion that less is more, ESSEN is often inspired by minimalist design principles. A study of balance and careful restraint, our permanent collection aims to fuse this sensibility with time-honoured techniques and the artistry of generational craftsmen.

BEHIND THE DESIGN

A cornerstone of every great wardrobe, moccasins are the definition of classic. Gently blurring the line between masculine and feminine, their enduring appeal lies in their wearability. As a working mother herself, Marre, founder and Creative Director of ESSEN, instinctively understands the importance of such versatility, seeking to design styles that work with every aspect of a woman’s wardrobe.

Underscored by ESSEN’s signature emphasis on comfort, the Modern Moccasin effortlessly blends form and function. With softer lines than a classic menswear take and a subtle square toe, its understated elegance and memory foam padded sole makes it the ultimate everyday staple. True to our design process, every aspect of the shoe was deeply considered. The hardware was approached as if it were a piece of jewellery, carefully perfecting the fine curvature of the plate after seven iterations.


CONSCIOUS CRAFTSMANSHIP

Realised in Italy, each pair of our Modern Moccasins undergoes a detailed journey involving many skilled artisans and seven specialist suppliers. The leather, sourced from Leather Working Group Gold-certified tannery Montebello, comes together with all trims and components in our female-run workshop, nestled in the scenic region of Tuscany.


Cut, sewn and crafted by hand by the likes of our dear friend Jessi (with whom we’ve been working since 2017,) each shoe was designed to feel luxurious, gently softening with wear. Finished with our removable memory foam padded sole, the Modern Moccasins are set on a discreet 10mm heel for the right amount of lift. For the styles with hardware, we follow our commitment to responsible practices, using recycled brass to reduce the use of raw materials. Designed to harmonise with an all-occasion wardrobe, the hardware is then plated with 9k gold.

STYLE NOTES

Like everything that exists within the world of ESSEN, the Modern Moccasin was designed to do more with less. As we know, curbing our consumption is one of the greatest things we can do in the face of climate uncertainty. Maximising your wardrobe with made-to-last classics is a way to safeguard against an excessive circulation of fashion while also creating a greater connection with the pieces in your wardrobe.



Available in three timeless hues, the Modern Moccasin is a minimalist staple that lends itself to dresses, suiting silhouette and everyday denim, filling the gap between casual and refined. What’s more, when calculated with Renoon’s Digital Product Passport, wearing the your pair 728 times would equate to just € 0,33 per wear - in other words, it’s the ultimate, year-round investment.