Aesop, The Second Skin

Aesop‘s installation, The Second Skin, offered a sensory experience that combined architecture, culture, and scent. It focused on the skin, the body’s largest organ, through a multisensory journey.

Inspired by the epidermis and Milanese building entrances, The Second Skin featured panels infused with the scent of Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm. The smooth texture echoed the surface of skin, creating an engaging environment. Visitors moved through archways and structures designed to stimulate their senses, particularly through scent and sound. The sound of a single water drop marked the passage of time as they moved through the space.

Visitors interacted with the scent of Eleos products, inhaling the aroma as they progressed. They also experienced a performance by Tanztheater Wuppertal’s Nayoung Kim, where bathing became part of the performance.

The experience continued with meditative moments, including hand cleansing in elevated basins and a reflective space in the courtyard with a 50-seat table designed by Sebastian Cox. In a quieter room, invited guests received arm massages with Eleos products, offering a calm retreat from the fair’s busyness.

Strategic note

This experience is significant because it blends different sensory elements in a way that invites reflection on both the physical and emotional connections we have with our bodies. It creates a space where visitors can engage with design, scent, sound, and touch in a more intimate and personal way. By focusing on the skin and its role in both protection and sensory experience, the installation brings attention to something we often overlook.