Serif Normal Esse 7 is a regular weight, normal width, very high contrast, italic, normal x-height font.
Keywords: editorial, magazines, book covers, headlines, invitations, elegant, fashion, literary, refined, dramatic, editorial tone, luxury styling, display emphasis, italic voice, hairline serifs, calligraphic, bracketed serifs, diagonally stressed, wide apertures.
A high-contrast italic serif with thin hairlines and sharply tapered serifs paired with swelling main strokes. The forms show a clear rightward slant and a calligraphic, diagonally stressed construction, with crisp terminals and smooth curves. Capitals feel slightly condensed and stately, while the lowercase has flowing joins and generous counters; the overall rhythm is lively, with noticeable stroke modulation and a polished, editorial finish.
Best suited to editorial typography where elegance and contrast are assets—magazine features, cultural journalism, and refined book-cover titling. It also works well for short-form display such as invitations, quotes, pull-cards, and brand messaging that benefits from an upscale italic voice.
The tone is poised and upscale, with a distinctly editorial sophistication. Its sharp hairlines and italic motion add drama and a sense of luxury, giving text a fashionable, cultured voice rather than a utilitarian one.
Likely designed to provide a classic italic serif with heightened contrast and a contemporary editorial sheen, emphasizing graceful motion and typographic sparkle for prominent text settings.
The italic is assertive: many glyphs lean into pointed entry/exit strokes and refined wedge-like finishes, which increases sparkle in larger settings. Numerals follow the same contrast and slanted logic, giving figures a stylish, print-oriented presence.