Meet ESSX, NYC’s Conceptual Retail Savior
When Opening Ceremony’s Howard Street location closed its doors in 2020, creatives, fashion enthusiasts, and tourists alike were left without a space that cultivated community as well as clothing below 14th Street. For three years, there was nowhere you could go to experience the creations of independent international designers while being guided by retail associates who felt more like friends. Then, ESSX came along.
A beacon of head-to-toe and accessorized hope, ESSX, located at 140 Essex Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, has given a new home to New York City’s shoppers, stylists, celebrities, and passersby. Since opening in July of 2023, the retail collective has hosted events, fittings, and photoshoots. It’s also sold a lot of clothes.
In a market overrun by online retail, ESSX has managed to breathe life into the city’s shopping culture by infusing it with self-aware nostalgia. “Since we opened one year ago, ESSX has been intent on bringing back an immersive and creative in-store shopping experience to New York — something that we had been missing in the city for a while,” says co-founder Laura Baker. “It was important that the experience allow for diversity in style, extending an invitation to all New Yorkers, from curious younger shoppers looking to discover new brands to established fashion professionals utilizing our services for their clients.”
And it worked. Now, ESSX is a place for commerce but also for kids to come and hang out. It’s where they can see a shirt they’ve only ever seen on Instagram, and maybe even take a few fit pics. One of those kids might even go on to sell their own designs at ESSX someday, like local designer Aris Tatalovich, whose eponymous label is stocked at ESSX exclusively, and just months after his inaugural RTW collection was released. This is what the brick-and-mortar space at ESSX is all about: It’s a place for you to be you, and maybe even contribute to who you might become.
Hannah Maqsudi, Style Studio Coordinator
We fulfill NYC’s craving for a retail experience that goes beyond mere product curation. Our focus isn’t solely on sales but more so on integrating customers into the ESSX culture. Fostering a sense of family sets us apart — our space exudes passion and authenticity.
Laura Baker, Co-Founder
ESSX was born from a team who grew up immersed in the culture of New York City and wanted to recapture that pure and authentic energy.
On our first anniversary, I am thinking about reaching beyond ESSX’s identity as a shop and how it becomes a larger brand and concept. We won’t take our eye off the LES store — which will still have the best brand mix and incredible fashion and cultural programming, and which our customers have come to expect from us — but I will be focused on how to broaden the ESSX brand offering and bring new consumers into our world.
Guillermo Andrade, Consultant (not pictured)
I feel ESSX has become a home away from home for me as a designer. The respect I feel from the community ESSX has cultivated is special to the fashion world and unique to New York.
Rob Cristofaro, Creative Agency
The LES is where we put our footprint globally with the Alife shop and brand for 20 years. The community was a huge part of our story. ESSX plays within the fashion community as we play within the arts community. Cohesion.
Oliver Seid, Social Media Manager
ESSX represents the new New York fashion archetype: someone who truly cares about researching brands and making ingenious garments their own. It’s fostering a community of creatives who are both customers and fans of the garments.
Zero Griffith, Marketing & Content Manager
The people. It always starts and ends with the people.
Kellen Majcher, Assistant Buyer
You can find things at ESSX that you can’t find anywhere else. People come in and feel inspired to try something new and step outside their comfort zone.
Vincent Gobeil, Buying Director
The brand mix and the staff at ESSX really represent New York and how unique and eclectic the city is. There’s something for everyone to discover at the store!
Fiona Luo, PR
Watching the industry receive ESSX has truly been a sight to see — there is a genuine, irreplaceable energy that has generated incredible traction in just one year.
Rasheen, Security
It’s always satisfying to see a customer who comes in again and again — whether they’re enjoying themselves at an event or finding that next piece.
Yossi Shetrit, Store Designer
The layout and design of ESSX really play into the self-discovery aspect of the customer journey, encouraging them to engage with the product and emerging designers in a much more personal and experimental way. I believe that this is something other retailers have not yet fully captured in their shopping experience.
Fifi Hodgkinson, Store Manager
Having the opportunity to be a part of the opening team has been a special experience as we have all played pivotal roles in building what we’ve become. We are a small team — everyone here has a voice that is heard and an opportunity for growth. Working for a new company that has already established a strong presence makes me excited to see what awaits a year from now.
Herman Pulphus, VIP & Sales Manager
The product and the community are integral to what makes ESSX special. Delivering and offering this unique product to the Lower East Side of NYC is groundbreaking and unprecedented. As a brand, we have the power to unite people from all corners of the city.
Brooke Charpio, Client Advisor
The fashion industry has and always should be (but isn’t always seen as) a place to develop the costume design of your own personal narrative. ESSX provides an opportunity for everyone to experiment and exchange ideas outside what’s traditional — and be playful while doing so.
Ryker Paulson, Client Advisor
Every person living in New York has been waiting for the new one-stop shop to unveil itself and be the beacon of inspiration for fashion lovers all around the world. With the most loving and inclusive team with backgrounds from all the most prestigious independent brands, houses, and publications, we welcome a home to shop the best of the best collections, showcase new emerging talent, and build a community that feels healthier than your Instagram cart — get off your phone and come shop!
Johanna Vizueta, HR Director
Building the team for ESSX was an incredible journey. The synergy among the staff, the quality brands, and the store’s aesthetic are what make the store truly unique.
Abe Chavez, Fashion Manager
ESSX is a very special experience of self-expression and community where there are no gender, age, or size confines. It’s a unique place that brings together creatives, designers, and also introduces a new generation of New Yorkers to fashion.
Huy Vu, PR
The rising success of the store reminds us how important it is to be face-to-face with each other — the magic of talking to someone new for the first time and exchanging tastes and takes on fashion.
