A to Z: Aesop launches a digital design archive of all its stores

Aesop’s individualized approach to its retail stores is now immortalised as a microsite called Taxonomy of Design, which showcases the creative processes, materials and features of each location
Aesop’s individualized approach to its retail stores is now immortalised as a microsite called Taxonomy of Design, which showcases the creative processes, materials and features of each location
(Image credit: Aesop)

Our longstanding love affair with the Aussie skincare label, goes far beyond its conscious formulations and pretty packaging. The individualized, design savvy approach that the company takes towards each of its boutiques is enough to push any cynic clean over the edge.

Over the last 28 years, Aesop has carefully assembled an array of un-missable stores by working with a range of emerging architects to create separate identities for each outpost. The fruits of its creative efforts have now been immortalized as a microsite called , an online archive of stores that showcases the creative processes, materials and features of each location – perfect for those who can’t visit all in person.

Each boutique is presented with a vivid description, along with sumptuous images of the materials used in the space and its trademark features. From the white oak-lined  in Boston to the pink walled , located in an old Victorian manor house, each space is a distinctive treasure to behold.

The site also features a series of film interviews with partner architects and designers, such as , who created a reverent, church-like space for the Prinsengate boutique in Oslo, and  and  who designed a modernist interior for the Sao Paolo store. Easily organized by locale, materials or signature features, the site is a seductive visual glossary that spins the conventions of retail architecture and design on its head.

The white oak-lined Newbury Street shop in Boston, designed by William O’ Brien Jr

The white oak-lined Newbury Street shop in Boston, designed by William O’ Brien Jr

(Image credit: Aesop)

The Cigue-designed Le Marais boutique as seen from the outside....

The Cigue-designed Le Marais boutique as seen from the outside....

(Image credit: Aesop)

... and with its sculptural white plaster counter on the inside

... and with its sculptural white plaster counter on the inside

(Image credit: Aesop)

Old Victorian manor house

March Studio’s pink walled North Melbourne store pays homage to its placement within an old Victorian manor house

(Image credit: Aesop)

Aesop’s minimalist Kyoto boutique, designed by Simplicity

Aesop’s minimalist Kyoto boutique, designed by Simplicity

(Image credit: Aesop)

Aesop’s Prinsensgate shop in Oslo

Historic features that were discovered during construction informed the vaulted design that Snohetta created for Aesop’s Prinsensgate shop in Oslo

(Image credit: Aesop)

Portland posseses this industrial-tinged space

Portland posseses this industrial-tinged space, designed by John Randolph

(Image credit: Aesop)

Sao Paolo’s modernist boutique

Sao Paolo’s modernist boutique, designed by Paolo Mendes da Rocha and Metro Arquitetos 

(Image credit: Aesop)

INFORMATION

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Pei-Ru Keh is a former US Editor at Wallpaper*. Born and raised in Singapore, she has been a New Yorker since 2013. Pei-Ru held various titles at Wallpaper* between 2007 and 2023. She reports on design, tech, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle happenings in the United States, both in print and digitally. Pei-Ru took a key role in championing diversity and representation within Wallpaper's content pillars, actively seeking out stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children, and is currently learning how to drive.