Fashion's Latest Force Sonam Vaswani

The recently engaged designer gives hello! An exclusive peek at her brand, esse vie’s latest collection, against the backdrop of her lovely dubai home.

Jet-setting around the globe to launch her brand and burning the midnight oil to make her venture a reality has taken its toll on the hardworking entrepreneur who lives between London and Dubai. She has a sore throat and the flu when we meet her for our shoot. However, smile intact and ever the professional, Sonam sportingly laughs off her fever as she guides us through her elegant and feminine brand, Esse Vie. Flattering and beautifully cut tops in either black or white, with innovative silhouettes created with the curvy woman in mind, Esse Vie is much-needed in a world of size-zero sartorial fancy. Fortunately, her streamlined cuts and fits are as flattering on petite women too! We speak to the rising star in her Dubai home, as she wears her latest collection of tops from Esse Vie.

You’re a global citizen, frequently jetting across continents and countries. Was your childhood similar?

“As of today, I shuttle between London and Dubai. London has always been a constant base and from where my brand, Esse Vie operates. Having grown up between Lagos and London, I had a multi-dimensional childhood where I was exposed to many cultural environments.”

What are some of your most treasured childhood memories?

“There are so many! Participating in talent shows and annual Diwali balls with the friends I met as toddlers, who are my nearest and dearest today. Also, we used to really look forward to our annual family trips to New York. In fact, my siblings and I used to count down the days to when we would be able to go to (toy store) FAO Schwarz.”

You spend most of your time in London now. What is it that you like most about the city?

“As a passionate wanderer, I love having the ability to walk around aimlessly for hours on end having nowhere to go but having so much to see around me.”