In turn-of-the-century Manhattan, Esther, an African-American seamstress, creates lingerie for a diverse clientele, ranging from a socialite wife to a prostitute. She continues to dream of a better future — and falls headlong into a bittersweet romance with a Caribbean man, sight unseen, while her heart secretly lies with the Jewish shopkeeper from whom she buys beautiful fabrics. Will Esther’s dream of a better life become a reality?