I stumbled upon Aesop’s Taxonomy of Design today and have been gushing all over the thought and respect that this (vegan!) brand puts into its spaces.
“Taxonomy of Design is a digital compendium of our signature stores which pays tribute to the creative processes, materials and features that distinguish Aesop spaces, and to the designers and architects with whom we collaborate.”
Each space is born from “immersion in unfamiliar landscapes, investigation of local materials [and] engagement with local culture and history”.
Of London’s Soho store:
“Situated in one of London’s most beloved neighbourhoods, Aesop Soho was designed by French studio Cigüe – a in a continuation of a fruitful international relationship. Soho is a district with a chequered past: its genesis was as a royal garden during Henry VIII’s reign; subsequently, it became the French quarter during the heyday of Huguenot immigration. Later, and for much of the 20th century, it was a red-light district, entertainment hub and gathering place for creative spirits of all stripes. While Soho still bears traces of these chapters, it has become known most recently as a centre of fine dining and gastronomy. This light, airy space on the ground floor of a historic building is proud to takes its place in these celebrated surrounds. Using Cigüe’s beguiling assemblage of original materials, the design centres around the prized properties of enamel, an ancient technique used by Cypriot, Egyptian and Byzantine cultures, which now is used in industrial applications.”