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[Not Yet Available in Japan] Even at 400,000 Yen, Bags Are Selling Out – The Challenge of Esha Soni, a Distinctive Bag Brand Born in New York
There is a rising star in the fashion world currently attracting significant attention: Esha Soni, the founder of the luxury brand Esha Soni, which originated in New York in 2022.
Her bags, which combine sculptural forms with strong functionality, are all meticulously handcrafted. Their beauty has earned them the nickname "wearable art."
Beyond design, she is dedicated to social contribution through her foundation. With a passion for striking a balance between profit and giving back to society, Esha is setting the stage for the next generation of luxury. What is her vision for this new era?
PROFILE
Esha Soni
Founder & Designer of the Bag Brand "Esha Soni"
Esha Soni is a bag designer who has demonstrated design prowess and creative leadership at renowned houses like Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors Collection, and Proenza Schouler. Raised in Mumbai, she studied design at FIT in New York and in Florence. She established a foundation to provide education to children in India, which served as the catalyst for launching her eponymous brand. Her creations—rooted in a deep love for materials and craftsmanship—quickly drew attention. In 2023, she was invited by CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) and in 2024 won the Fashion Trust U.S. Accessories Award by Isabel Marant.
Curves that Speak: The Shape of New Luxury
At New York's iconic luxury department stores, Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys New York, the latest brand making a splash is "Esha Soni."Her debut piece, the signature "The Orb," stands out with its round base, curving body, and soft, rounded top flap. The elegant silhouette integrates a brass top handle, with hand-carved brass parts serving as the hardware.
With a listed price of around 400,000 yen, the bags are far from easily accessible, yet some colors consistently sell out both on the official e-commerce site and at select retailers.
Following "The Orb," her next creation was "The Slope," which she describes as being born from her desire to "create a piece that embodies sculptural elegance."
Shaped much like a vase or urn, this bag features a bangle that can be worn separately as jewelry—perfectly capturing Esha’s concept of harmony between leather and hardware.
Through her brand, she continues to create these iconic pieces; before this, she had already crafted many hits during her career as a bag designer. For more than 18 years, she has been a driving force behind such iconic American brands as "Michael Kors," "Ralph Lauren," "Proenza Schouler," and "Mansur Gavriel."
A Passion for Creating a Brand, Born from Industry Experience
Esha grew up in Mumbai, studied design at the renowned FIT in New York, then spent a year at the Polimoda Institute in Florence, Italy. Throughout her work with prestigious brands, she says, "There was always a part of me that knew I would one day launch my own label and be able to express my vision."By 2019, her concepts and designs for the brand were ready, but the launch was delayed due to Covid-19. Finally, in June 2022, she made her long-awaited debut into the market.
"I wanted to create slowly and with meaning. That was the driving force behind founding the brand. I had grown exhausted by an industry where even luxury lines are constantly evolving at breakneck speed.
"To craft pieces that can be passed down for generations and possess heirloom-level quality, I wanted to take a more thoughtful approach."
Redefining Luxury: Esha’s Vision
"With intention and integrity, I want to deliver ‘wearable art’ that is loved for years to come."This unwavering belief is at Esha’s core. Drawing inspiration from sculpture, jewelry, and art, she collaborates with artisans in each field, from leather molding to brass parts, crafting every piece entirely by hand.
"All of our pieces are produced in small quantities—never discounted or put on sale. I believe true luxury endures through time, and only grows in value as the years pass."
Esha's philosophy is deeply rooted in sustainability. She places great importance on intergenerational fairness from environmental, economic, and social perspectives, stating that protecting artisans, maintaining sustainable profits, and balancing social contribution are directly linked to "sincere design."
"We instill a sense of spiritual respect for nature, materials, tangible resources used in manufacturing, and human resources," she says.
In addition to initiatives such as minimizing waste, reducing CO₂ emissions, and increasing transparency in the supply chain, she also established a foundation at the launch of her brand to provide primary education and vocational training to children in India.
"As the brand grows, I want our social contribution to grow proportionally alongside it. Someday, I hope to design a vocational training program for young girls. By creating beautiful, timeless, and iconic pieces, I want to continuously inspire people’s sensibilities and actions."
The works of "Esha Soni" are never swayed by fleeting trends—they exude individuality and graceful sophistication. The bags, born from sincere craftsmanship, resonate with the sensibilities of those who carry them and often spark conversations. Masterfully blending modern and classic elements while quietly interweaving her passion for social contribution, her unique conviction shines through.
"In handbag making, business, and communication with clients—in every action, it is vital to remain sincere. Luxuries accompanied by sincerity are my core belief and my vision of a 'modern luxury house.'"
True to her words, Esha’s creations set a bold new standard for luxury—one imbued with both beauty and meaning.
Text by ELIE INOUE
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