Aesop’s Sensory and Sustainable Innovations

Founded in 1987 and based in Melbourne, Aesop operates globally with numerous offices and stores. The company’s focus is on creating high-quality skin, hair, and body care products, using both plant-based and laboratory-engineered ingredients proven for safety and effectiveness.

Aesop’s commitment to sustainable design is evident in its operations. The brand ensures that product formulations and packaging are both practical and visually appealing. When expanding, Aesop integrates its designs with the local environment, as shown in its recent projects.

Sensory Engagement at Salone del Mobile 2024

During Salone del Mobile 2024 in Milan, Aesop introduced a series of thoughtfully designed installations that extended beyond mere aesthetics to craft a comprehensive sensory experience. Renowned for its minimalist approach to retail and design, Aesop engaged visitors across the senses of smell, touch, and sight in a manner that was both innovative and immersive.

One of the key features of Aesop’s presence at the event was the Aromatoria—three installations strategically located throughout Milan. These structures offered a novel way to experience the passage of time, not through conventional clocks but via Aesop’s signature Eaux de Parfum. At designated intervals, a laboratory-like device released a different fragrance onto the wrists of visitors, creating an olfactory timeline that provided a momentary escape from the city’s activity and encouraged a unique interaction with the brand’s distinctive scents.

Additionally, the Aromatoria installations included maps that guided visitors to notable design locations across Milan. These maps served a dual purpose, blending Aesop’s trademark attention to detail with practical navigation. Visitors were also invited to refresh their senses and skin with Aesop’s skincare products, ensuring that their journey through the city was enriched by both sensory and practical elements.

Aesop’s latest retail location at Piazza Cordusio was transformed by Belgian architect Nicolas Schuybroek into a design showcase inspired by the Arte Povera movement. Central to the store’s design were Aesop’s Bar Soaps, which formed the basis of a meticulously arranged grid layout. This layout directed visitors’ attention to films and displays that highlighted the sensory attributes of Aesop’s products. At the core of the space, a daily live performance took place, where an Aesop therapist demonstrated a skincare ritual, blending practical insights with a focus on the science of touch and skin care. This performance further reinforced Aesop’s commitment to a sensory-driven retail experience.

‘The scenography is inspired by the Arte Povera movement from the late 60s and 70s. This movement has inspired my practice for many years now, and shaped the basis of this project for Aesop, which is known for its minimalist packaging.’ Nicolas Schuybroek 

Aesop Sanctuary Pop-Up in Beijing

From May 1 to June 10, 2024, Aesop, unveiled its first pop-up store at WF House 19 Siheyuan in Beijing. “Aesop Sanctuary,” as a temporary store is nestled within a beautifully restored Qing Dynasty residence. This traditional Chinese courtyard house, once owned by princes Pulun and Pudong, features single-storey buildings arranged around a central courtyard, reflecting the ancient Beijing custom of shaded communal spaces designed to escape the summer heat.

Adorned with waterproof canvas and crimson xiangyunsha tea silk, the courtyard boasts a retractable structure, encircled recycled stone basins.

Inside, the store is divided into distinct rooms, each offering intimate and immersive experiences. The east wing, designated as the Sensorium, presents unique olfactory experiences with Aesop’s Eaux de Parfum and infusion chambers for scenting clothing. Meanwhile, the west wing serves as a tranquil space for private consultations, featuring step-bed-like structures with basins and bamboo bead curtains for enhanced privacy.

This integration of Aesop’s brand philosophy with local cultural elements highlights the brand’s dedication to harmonising its design with the unique character of each location. The store’s launch received significant attention on Xiaohongshu (RED) under the topic “Aesop Beijing WF House 19 store,” amassing 129,400 views. The design, which blends traditional timber furnishings with oriental fragrances, has been praised for its seamless incorporation of local architectural features, drawing comparisons to Aesop’s stores in Guangzhou and Kyoto.

“The particular thing about Aesop stores is that they are all unique and subtly adapt to the local environment.” – Marianne Lardilleux, Director of Global Retail Design, Aesop

Aesop’s Pop-Up at Shenzhen Vientiane City

In the heart of Shenzhen’s vibrant Vientiane City, Aesop Skincare has opened a pop-up installation that offers a tranquil respite from the city’s dynamic pace and greets visitors with a serene environment crafted from natural materials.

The pop-up features interactive exhibits designed to educate guests about sustainable living. These displays provide valuable insights into the benefits of natural ingredients, methods for reducing waste, and strategies for lowering one’s carbon footprint. By presenting these topics, Aesop encourages visitors to adopt more environmentally conscious habits while engaging them directly with a range of skincare products formulated with high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients.

The design of the pop-up is thoughtfully divided into thematic sections, each presenting a unique narrative. The two-storey installation boasts a glass curtain wall and triangular façade openings, creating a seamless connection between the interior space and the vibrant street life outside. A central circular tank serves as a focal point, facilitating a smooth flow of visitors and enhancing engagement throughout the space.

Inside, the design artfully contrasts handcrafted straw-like materials with sleek metal displays, merging traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. A recessed seating area and subtly scented wardrobe enhance the inviting atmosphere, creating a soothing space for visitors to unwind.

Ascending the dimly lit circular staircase leads to a quieter, more introspective level, offering a serene retreat from the bustling ground floor. This peaceful area features an intimate sink space, fostering a calm and reflective experience.

Aesop’s Shenzhen pop-up demonstrates how high-end design can align with environmental responsibility.

“We don’t try to be different for difference’s sake. We’re different because we have values that have set us apart from other companies.”

Marsha Meredith, Ex Aesop GCD

Aesop’s approach succeeds by integrating sensory experiences into their retail strategy. Their installations engage multiple senses—sight, smell, and touch—creating memorable interactions and a desire to recreate these sensations at home, each pop-up also reflects local culture and history, enhancing the brand’s adaptability.