Next the opening of a number of standalone stores in Shanghai, and very recently, in Beijing, Aesop‘s ambitious retail roll-out in China also includes a new outpost in the affluent boomtown Shenzhen. The Australian cosmetics brand has secured a 95 sqm. (1,023 sq.ft.) two-level unit at The MixC, a large upscale shopping centre in the city’s Luohu district. The interior design, created by local design practice 0321, is centred around a signature element of every Aesop retail space—a sink, and in this case, a grand circular one in stainless steel. The latter material is eclectically paired with palm, a material which is widely found and used in regions south of the Yellow River. For many centuries, locals have used palm fibres to make ropes, mats, brushes and upholstery filling, and here, it’s applied as understated wall cladding which seamlessly matches the steel shelving units, sales counter, two cylindrical fragrance cabinets and other furnishings. Obviously, the material is a nod to local craftsmanship. And speaking of which, The wall cladding features natural stitching patterns which form unique handmade grids. The overall colour palette is derived from palm itself, with muted, warm browns used across materials and textures other than stainless steel. The upstairs floor houses offices and is also used for staff training. The new Aesop store stocks the brand’s full range face, body and hair care products, in addition to fragrances and home products. © superfuture

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Photography: Meat Mountain