12.11.25
For the mindful consumer, conscious purchases rarely exist in a silo — seek a dedication to slow living in one area (say, furniture), and you’re likely to wear those values, too. Beyond form, beyond function, the practice is a lifestyle and a consistent choice.
Converging at TheEND’s Paddington residency, the lifestyle brand collaborates with renowned Australian fashion label ESSE to present a curation of purposeful pieces for the home and wardrobe. The resulting weeklong gallery-like installation highlights not only beauty and art, but also perpetuates a dialogue about intentionality in a world of excess.
With shared philosophies and design approaches, founders James Maroun (TheEND) and Charlotte Hicks (ESSE) discuss a return to craftsmanship, raw materials and art in all forms.
Intentionality Across Disciplines
Intentional encapsulates the aligned values — across architecture, furniture, art and fashion.
At ESSE, intentionality is about designing and producing enduring, transeasonal collections. Resisting the snowballing push towards more, Charlotte says, “Each piece is designed to live with you and evolve through seasons and chapters.” In practice, this is a harmonious balance of form and function, where the garment is “crafted with purpose, and every detail serves intention.”
“Slow is about intention,” says James as he echoes the sentiment. “Curating art and furniture that holds meaning and purpose, which goes against the grain of excess and focuses on the simple, understated luxuries.”
Longevity & Craftsmanship in Focus
Seguing nicely into longevity (or intention’s spawn), the conversation inevitably turns to craftsmanship.
As Charlotte says, “ESSE represents a worldview” that is committed to “longevity, craft and emotional resonance.” Fabrication is considered, and partnerships with artisans and tailors are carefully selected — because it is not just about the now, but the future, and the ongoing, evolving experiences that make up a life. And so, the pieces must last.
Likewise, TheEND is committed to the unfolding stories, told as pieces pass from material to maker to user. Where the mass-produced dining table or wall sconce is devoid of human emotion or impact, there is an entire history held in the makeup of each TheEND item. “These pieces hold sentiment and are inherently unique,” says James. Handmade by artisans and influenced by traditional woodcarving techniques, “they continue to be meaningful and therefore remain timeless.” Explore more of our world: A Girl Named Maui.
Craving connection, modern heirlooms and meaning. Pieces intended to last, to see through generations of moments.
A Meeting of Creative Minds
“ESSE inhabits TheEND,” says Charlotte, “[it’s] a shared world for those who move through life with quiet discernment.”
As always, every corner of the showroom is shrouded in intention; craftsmanship, raw materials and unique art forms are posed as the antidote to mass consumption. But throughout the duration of the ‘In Residence’ collaboration, meander through a space that expands beyond a singular category or code. It’s a blurring of objects and silhouettes that “hold presence and purpose,” as Charlotte says. “Pieces that live and breathe with you, refining the rhythm of everyday life.”
View the handcrafted Maui Round 1.8 dining table, chiselled and carved using traditional techniques, beside ESSE’s trend-defying, seasonless eveningwear. Natural but sculptural meets fluid draping; it’s an immersive experience where materiality, purpose and process speak loudly. “It’s about surrounding yourself with what endures,” adds Charlotte. A quote worthy of framing; a daily prompt to return to intentionality — and the deeply human — in everything.
Filling in the Blanks with Charlotte Hicks
A curated wardrobe and home: Is about each piece working together. Purpose, intentionality, integrity.
A rebel against: Excess, indulgence, but without compromise.
A beautiful life means…: Discerning, confidence with a bit of play.
Experience the installation:
Tuesday, 11th November - Sunday, 16th November
10am - 4pm
57 William St, Paddington