INSIDE NYC CONCEPT STORE ESSX FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
words by HANNAH ATIRA
photography by HANNAH TURNER HART
Amid New York City’s cry for a brick-and-mortar destination to house the newest and most coveted fashions, ESSX NYC answered the call. After one year the store celebrates the ushering in of a new era.
On a NYC summer evening at the infamous Standard Hotel, the city's most stylish stepped out in their best evening streetwear to celebrate the city’s latest concept store, making its stamp on the fashion scene. As guests made their way to the very top of the hotel into the beloved Boom Boom Room, the New York City skyline provided the perfect backdrop to the evening's fashion family soiree. With sounds provided by Jubilee, Venus X, and Justin Strauss, the crowd danced their hearts. Those in the crowd included the voguing diva herself, Honey Balenciaga, the man about town, Alexander Roth, and the internet’s darling Ella Emhoff, just to name a few.
Of course, this milestone celebration was only complete with a special nod to the essence of ESSX; the team behind it all. Co-founder Laura Baker shared such sentiment when commenting on the evening, “Celebrating our 1 year of ESSX has come with lots of emotions, as I surpassed not only business goals but personal achievements. My proudest moment was looking at the team and remembering when they all started. Watching them grow in synchronicity — not only individually, but as a team. Together, as an ESSX family, we have developed a strong business rooted in community, energy, and culture… NYC needed that!”
It's safe to say that after one year ESSX NYC has reignited a flame in the shopping community of New York City, giving those who love the tactical hunt of an in-person experience a new home.
Looking back over the year, it is clear that the ESSX team, their friends, and even fans had much to celebrate. In leading this charge, ESSX NYC has managed to cultivate a budding fashion community of young and rising talent, while also receiving the support of many fashion veterans and enthusiasts. With behind-the-scenes support from 424’s Guillermo Andrade, to a collaboration with the brand of the moment, Y Project, and store sightings by the likes of Skepta, and Tems. While on their racks, you’ll find a distinct curation of designers from new kids on the block such as Spencer Badu, whose tie shirt recently made waves sported by Asap Rocky, to cult following designers such as Martine Rose and Luar. While leaning heavily to the streetwear side of fashion, the store has also found its footing in high-end representation with JW Anderson, Issey Miyake, and Parisian brand Courrèges rounding out a full range of a special shopping experience.
