When talking to fellow creatives, we often wonder: HOW DO THEY DO IT? To prevent Instagram stalking or doom-scrolling to figure out their secret sauces and success stories, we prefer to ask them face-to-face. Today: an unfiltered conversation with MARRE MUIJS, founder and creative director at ESSĒN THE LABEL. Cover image: courtesy of ESSEN The label
Also, read: FOUR TAKEAWAYS FROM COPENHAGEN FASHION WEEK THAT’LL FUEL YOUR FOMO
Marre Muijs, the founder and creative director of ESSĒN The Label, has always been passionate about shoes. But her brand is about more than footwear—it’s a frontrunner in sustainability, conscious craftsmanship, and redefining what it means to create timelessness within the fashion industry.
ESSĒN THE LABEL
Muijs’ journey towards crafting consciously made, timeless footwear started with a childhood obsession. A story her mother often recalls speaks volumes about her passion: Marre’s friends would come over to play when she was just four, but her decision to join them hinged on a singular detail—their shoes. If she liked their footwear, she’d trade hers for theirs for the day to indulge in the feel of their shoes. That early curiosity became a lifelong love affair with shoes, but Muijs’ path to founding ESSĒN was anything but straightforward.
Before launching her brand, Muijs explored various roles across the fashion and creative industries, yet none seemed to ignite her passion. It wasn’t until she recognized the glaring gaps in the footwear market—an absence of high-quality, ethically produced, and timeless shoes—that she found her true calling. Fueled by her and her friends’ frustrations, she set out to create ESSĒN, a label that embraces a slower, more thoughtful approach to design and consumption. Muijs’ brand represents a shift away from fast-paced trends and seasonal collections, focusing instead on building a permanent collection of versatile, no-compromise essentials.
IN CONVERSATION WITH MARRE MUIJS
The last time we spoke, you mentioned being taught to develop a long-term relationship with clothes. How do you incorporate that thinking into your designs?
Muijs: “I believe in doing more with less. It’s about owning fewer, better things—pieces you love and wear all the time. With ESSĒN, I encourage people to choose better and wear longer. This naturally leads to buying less. Our designs can take years to perfect, and that’s a good test of whether something is truly timeless. ESSĒN began with just three designs; eight years later, they’re still a part of our collection.”
ESSĒN stems from ‘essentials.’ What’s your ultimate wardrobe essential?
Muijs: “I always gravitate towards simplicity and comfort—classic pieces with a twist. I love investing in timeless designs I’ll wear for the next 20 years and eventually pass down to my children. It’s buying things you’ll wear only a few times is not sustainable. I aim to create designs with which women can grow old, pieces that tell a story.”
How do you generate ideas and bring them to life?
Muijs: “Travel and my friends are huge sources of inspiration. I’m always influenced by the people in my life and their unique perspectives. My design philosophy is rooted in respect for key wardrobe items—those meaningful essentials that endure. Women’s day-to-day realities inspire me. Busy lifestyles require practical yet stylish shoes; comfort is the ultimate luxury.”
What’s on your mood board?
Muijs: “Interior references, photos from crafts and artisans I met during my recent trip to Mallorca, and new materials I discovered.”
You launched ESSĒN in 2016. What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned since the start?
Muijs: “Many! Starting a company is hard—it’s never static and requires dedication. You have to enjoy what you’re doing and truly solve something meaningful. At least ten said no for every amazing factory I work with now. You need to stay true to your vision and persevere.”
And what are you most proud of?
Muijs: “Creating a brand that uses fashion as a force for good. Shoes are a necessity, and good design can improve our daily lives. We can indulge in things that make us feel good while putting people and the planet first.”
What excites you most about the future?
Muijs: “I’m excited about new releases, exploring new categories, and launching more sustainable initiatives. We plan to open a space in Melbourne this year where people can try on our shoes. I’m also looking forward to revisiting our factories. Our focus has always been on slow, sustainable growth, but we have big dreams, and I’m hopeful we can balance both.”
Keep an eye on our Instagram and TikTok for updates.
