EMILIA PETRARCA X ESHA SONI
I’m thrilled to welcome Emilia Petrarca into our growing Muse Circle. Emilia is a writer and cultural observer whose curiosity, humor and honesty make her perspective on style feel deeply authentic. Many know her from her years at The Cut, and today through her beloved Substack, Shop Rat, where she reflects on personal taste, memory, and the small details that give meaning to how we live and dress. I’ve always admired the way Emilia approaches fashion with intention - slow, thoughtful, and connected- qualities that feel closely aligned with our own values at Esha Soni. We’re honored to celebrate her as someone who not only inspires us through what she wears, but through the way she thinks and tells stories.
xx Esha
IN CONVERSATION WITH EMILIA
WHAT FIRST PULLED YOU INTO FASHION AND CULTURAL WRITING?
My mom used to work in media, so I grew up reading her magazines on our coffee table, and subscribed to my own as soon as I could. Being a young woman, fashion magazines were mostly what was available to me. And I did what many future fashion writers did-ripping out the pages and taping them to my walls.The fantasy of it drew me in; it just seemed like the most fun, glamorous job in the world, and living in New York, it felt very powerful.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR POINT OF VIEW AS A STORYTELLER?
I learned how to tell stories from my dad’s side of the family.My mom was a newspaper journalist, so her style of writing is very different from mine. But my dad was Italian, and my aunts, uncles and cousins all have an incredible sense of humor and know how to command a room. They’re also very critical people; they like to debate.And they like to stretch the truth too..Most nights before bed, my dad would tell my brother and I a story and he would make the whole thing up on the spot. I don’t write fiction, but I like to think I have a combination of his imagination and my mom’s curiosity.
WHO ARE YOU CURRENTLY INSPIRED BY?
I’m inspired by people with high standards, or strong ethics, who take their time, do their research, and aren’t just chasing the latest trend. I’m also inspired by anyone building their own business. It’s friggin’ hard!
YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN NYC?
I’ve been going to The Odeon since I was a kid, but when they took the chicken nuggets off the menu, Edward’s across the street became my spot. (Edward used to work there, and took the nuggets with him when he left).
AN EMERGING DESIGNER OF THE MOMENT ?
I love Colleen Allen. Her aesthetic is a very alluring combination of romantic and aggressive, and the materials she uses are both practical and luxe.
HOW DOES LIVING IN NEW YORK INFLUENCE YOUR STYLE?
You have to be practical if you live in New York, but you can also exist in your own universe here. No one is ever overdressed or underdressed; they’re just dressed exactly how they want. There are no rules.New York inspires me to be myself and make an effort every time I leave the house.
WHAT DOES TIMELESS DESIGN MEAN TO YOU?
Anything thoughtful, that sparks a human connection.
WHAT ABOUT ESHA SONI RESONATES WITH YOU?
Her natural shapes, which have an architectural quality to them as well. My dad was an architect, and I feel like they are little buildings you can wear.
WHAT’S CURRENTLY ON YOUR WISHLIST FROM ESHA SONI?
I don’t like to carry a lot stuff around, so I’m drawn to the small, sleek shape of the Slope. The ‘cherry’ color reminds me of the shade of lipstick I like to wear. And a stairwell in my old house, which my dad painted entirely red. (Image below)
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU HOPE YOUR WORK CONTINUES TO SPARK IN PEOPLE?
I hope it makes them laugh and relates to them on a personal level. No bullshit.
Emilia on instagram & substack
Most of the photos here by Clemence Poles.
