Serif Normal Esma 2 is a regular weight, normal width, very high contrast, italic, normal x-height font.
Keywords: headlines, editorial, magazine, book titles, branding, refined, fashion, literary, classical, elegant, elegant display, editorial voice, premium branding, classic revival, hairline serifs, calligraphic, bracketed serifs, diagonal stress, sculpted terminals.
A high-contrast italic serif with thin hairlines and tapered, bracketed serifs paired to fuller main strokes. The letterforms lean with a smooth, calligraphic rhythm, showing diagonal stress in rounded shapes and crisp, sheared entry/exit strokes. Proportions are moderately narrow in many capitals, while some glyphs (notably M/W and several numerals) open wider, creating a lively, variable texture. Terminals are finely shaped and often slightly hooked or teardrop-like, and the numerals echo the same sharp hairline-to-stem contrast with elegant curves.
Well-suited to headlines, pull quotes, magazine typography, and book or chapter titling where elegance and motion are desirable. It can also serve refined branding—particularly in fashion, beauty, or cultural contexts—when used in short phrases or logotype-style settings. Because of the fine hairlines, it will perform best at display sizes or in high-quality print and high-resolution digital environments.
The overall tone is polished and upscale, with a distinctly editorial and couture feel. Its pronounced contrast and italic cadence read as expressive and sophisticated rather than utilitarian, lending a sense of ceremony and literary gravitas.
The design appears intended to deliver a classic italic voice with modern sharpness: dramatic contrast, controlled proportions, and a polished rhythm that elevates editorial and brand typography. It prioritizes elegance and expressive texture over neutrality, aiming for a premium, cultivated impression.
Caps show a classic, inscriptional-leaning silhouette with clean serif joins, while lowercase forms emphasize flowing strokes and pronounced curve modulation. The design favors crisp detail and delicate hairlines, which will appear most stable when given enough size and breathing room.