The New Name to Know in Designer Bags
She's designed blockbuster carries for Proenza, Ralph, Mansur, and MK. Now, Esha Soni is stepping into her own.
Esha Soni was one of the first designers I invited to participate in our pop-up. I knew I wanted her line to be part of the assortment right away. I love the modern curves of her handbags and her meticulous attention to materials and craft — values all the women we’ve pulled together share. Her eponymous brand is a luxury house in the making. Get to know her now. - Jess
My style: A play on proportions with some sculptural elements (and a flash of metal).
Something not in my bio: I'm deeply spiritual and a practicing Buddhist (the chanting kind).
Biggest professional flex: Isabel Marant presented me as the winner of the (first-ever) Accessories Award by the Fashion Trust US. That was a ‘pinch me’ moment.
How my surroundings influence my work: I moved from Brooklyn to Montauk during COVID-19, and our summer home became our permanent home. I love our modern, sleek bags juxtaposed against Montauk’s natural landscape.
My favorite local spot: I love to sit at the Il Buco Al Mare bar in Amagansett and get a gin martini and a couple of smoked fish tins with crispy cannellini beans and charred prawns. In the summer, I love Crow’s Nest in Montauk. I start the evening with a Ruse (mezcal, grapefruit, yuzu) down by the water.
Inspiring me right now: There is a small gallery in Montauk (484 Gallery) that carries local artists from around the east end. I attended their season opening in early June and fell in love with a Chair by artist Scott Bluedorn. Made out of a reclaimed vintage 70s surfboard and chair frame, this piece instantly reminded me of the shape and curves of my bags. I knew I had to shoot this chair in a campaign.
On my travel docket: I have been dying to go to Puglia, Italy, to take an immersive cooking class with my friends at Everyone At the Table — my dream vacation. I will likely have India on the docket for the end of the year, where I will be visiting family and friends in Mumbai. Hopefully, we will take a trip up north to Rajasthan to be inspired by the jewels and crafts and pay a visit to the Rajkumari Ratnavati school, where we have pledged 5% of handbag profits towards educating young girls in this school.
What I’m packing for India: My home country is fiery, happy, and colorful, and I love embracing that when I'm back. The accessories have become bolder, and my look is more eclectic. It's all about blending my New York style with Mumbai flair.
About launching my line: Inspired by my mother, a jewelry designer in India, I always had an entrepreneurial spirit. For almost two decades, I've worked with fashion luminaries like Michael Kors, Jack and Lazaro of Proenza Schouler, and Ralph Lauren in New York. By 2019, I knew it was time to launch my line and bring my vision to life. Every detail has been meticulously crafted, from the French calf leather exterior to the fine Italian suede lining and the beautiful Italian canvas totes that double as dust bags. These are truly investment pieces made with honesty, which is rare in our industry.
Macro over micro: When I sat down to design what are now the three pillars of my collection—The Orb, The Slope, and The Arc—I had no set business plan or strategy in mind. It was a pure creative flow that guided the sketches and development. I reflected on my brand’s more profound meaning—its mission, vision, and purpose. "Luxury with integrity" became my guiding principle.
Overcoming a creative block: stepping back and disengaging from the creative process. I firmly believe in not forcing an idea if it's not working.
If I’m invited to a dinner party: I’m bringing a bottle of (usually French) wine (either a Sancerre for summer or a rich Bordeaux in the fall/winter), almost always with a bouquet of seasonal fresh flowers that I assemble myself. I love curating a bouquet from our Montauk farmers market in the summer.
A beauty secret: My “Trio of Oils”!! For my hair, I use Inde Wild/Champi hair oil twice a week (the jasmine scent is divine). I massage it into the scalp and leave it overnight. When I wash my hair the next day, it feels like silk. For my face, I use Heales superfruit face oil, which is loaded with Australian Kakadu plum. I have been using it for years. I use Osea Undaria algae body oil for my body — I slather it on every day after a shower. I cannot go a day without it.
What I collect: Seashells and little treasures from beaches I visit. I love the imperfections of broken ones, shapes, and patterns. I find them fascinating. I once brought back a giant Conch Shell from Turks and Caicos, which sits on a shelf in my home. Every time I see it, I am reminded of that beautiful trip with my friends.
Perfect Sunday: Wake up to no alarm, a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee, Jack Johnson playing in the background, and me making crepes for my boys.
Jess, thank you for introducing my work to your amazing community!! Looking forward to the Pop Up next week xxx
Wow. These are really lovely. May need to be my next investment bag.