Aesop store: blend of minimalism and functional elegance

We continue to introduce Verano Club readers to the best mono- and multi-brand perfume boutiques in the world. Of course, we couldn't ignore the Australian cosmetic brand Aesop, which has a weakness for designer interiors. Today, we will have a look at the most interesting boutiques.

Since 1987, the Australian company has been producing organic cosmetics made from natural ingredients that are suitable for all skin types, are not tested on animals, and are packaged in dark glass bottles. Part of their conceptual strategy is the unique design of their boutiques, of which there are now over a hundred worldwide. In recent years, the company has strengthened its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, establishing itself in commercial areas of Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cities.

Sydney, Australia

The Pitt Street store stands out for its tranquil atmosphere and sense of balance. Its design was done by the Norwegian studio Snøhetta. Architects wrapped the space in dark textured granite. The rippled granite panels cover both the interior walls and the shopfront: the dark rough material contrasts with the smooth light sandstone from which the building is constructed.

Contrasting textures is the main decorative technique used by the architects to give dynamism to the uniform and monochrome space. The upper part of the walls and the ceiling were covered with textured plaster, the granular pattern of which differs from the surface of the granite panels. The granite was chosen for a reason: most sidewalks in central Sydney are paved with this hard and durable stone.

Against the background of many rough surfaces, simple industrial sinks with polished steel basins stand out. Thin steel shelves built into the granite walls reflect the stone and are almost invisible – they serve as an excellent background for displaying Aesop's neat cosmetic and fragrance bottles.

In the centre of the showroom, the architects installed a long counter with two rows of sinks: here you can try the brand's products and discuss them with consultants. At the back of the hall there are three individual stations for thoughtful selection of products. Each station includes a cabinet with a sink, a mirror, a lamp and a shelf. The store's interior is complemented by a small amphitheatre where you can relax and watch a film about the brand's history.

Tokyo, Japan

Just recently, cosmetic giant has opened a store in the newly established shopping complex Newoman in Shinjuku area, focused exclusively on a female audience and located just opposite the metro station. Aesop's recognizable style has found a place in this balanced retail space.

The interior was designed by local company Torafu Architects, whose efforts led to the creation of an image that combines functionality and stunning aesthetics. The new boutique presents the full range of skin and hair care products offered by the Aesop.

The space is built of limestone, including both the floor and the ceiling. Two supporting blocks with built-in shelves are installed on one side of the area, while low cabinets are located opposite, along its entire length. A massive island with a sink adjoins one of the blocks, and the checkout counter marks the centre of the store. Lighting is another important design component. It consists of built-in lamps, an LED strip on the ceiling, and a table lamp on the checkout counter.

Seoul, South Korea

The Aesop boutique, highly popular in Korea, opened in the southern part of Seoul in 2019. The brand remained true to its identity once again: using red brick and chocolate tones, designers from the Hong Kong-based Mlkk studio combined cosiness and minimalism. The store is located in one of the buildings of the Sounds Hannam complex, the walls of which are faced with gray brick. The designers chose to decorate the interior in a way that harmonizes with the store front, but at the same time look like a warm and safe place where passers-by would be happy to seek shelter from the cold Korean winters.

For the walls, ceiling and floor on the first floor, designers chose vintage red brick. Laid out in the same pattern as the building's facade, designers achieved an interior reflection in warm tones. The counter and a long cabinet with a sink for product testing are also made of brick. The products are placed on copper shelves mounted in arched niches, the shape of which resembles traditional Korean brick kilns.

On the second floor there is a small lounge area, a staff room, and a spa cabin for cosmetic procedures. These spaces are designed in chocolate and beige tones with matte surfaces, textile curtains, and low-textured 1970s-inspired armchairs. Here you can also relax on the terrace, which offers amazing views of the Hannam-dong area of Seoul.

Milan, Italy

The 35-square-meter boutique on Corso Magenta looks least like a shop — local designers Dimore Studio covered the walls and ceilings with a gray-blue tiles.

The space looks like something between a pharmacy and a science lab (one of the custom-made display cases even has a built-in sink). And this is quite precise, as Aesop is more of a cosmeceutical brand, known for its own scientific research and developments in skincare.

The stylish yet too cold interior was softened with cosy touches – designers placed pink armchairs, hung yellow shelves, and piled several globes in the corner, hinting at the brand's global nature.

London, United Kingdom

To design their boutique in London, Aesop invited Luca Guadagnino, the director of "Call Me by Your Name" and "Suspiria," and the founder of the design studio studiolucaguadagnino. The small two-story shop is located on the corner of the famous Piccadilly Arcade shopping centre. To smooth the contrast between the historical architecture and the modern interior, Luca installed wall panels in the windows, painted in a delicate pink resembling Tudor-era cabinets.

Almost the entire first floor is occupied by two massive marble counters, carved from rough marble blocks - one for the cashier and service area, while the other is used to display and store cosmetics. But the main feature of the interior that makes it so cinematic is the stone floor with a geometric pattern. The diamond-shaped pattern starts from the central table and expands throughout the space, reminiscent of either stylish black-and-white films or the surreal decorations of "Alice in Wonderland."

The ceiling and walls are plastered, except for a small seating area with a sofa - it's upholstered in gray silk. Shiny details soften the rough interior: metal shelves, taps and tiny lights scattered like stars on the ceiling. You can get upstairs via a hidden staircase adorned with the same panels as the shopfronts. While the first floor may feel more brutal, the second  is associated with home comfort: wooden floors, ceramic sinks, a linen sofa, and light curtains on the windows providing privacy. A "well" through which you can glimpse other shoppers wandering the lower level prevents you from forgetting you're in a store.