Aesop Collins Street

A splendorous athenaeum

Created in tandem with Clare Cousins Architects on Wurundjeri Country, the design of our second Collins Street incarnation draws on qualities of civic architecture. Only a few blocks from the State Library of Victoria and its glorious domed reading room—where the spines of mottled tomes line octagonal walls—our space is a compendium of classical references, robust materials and careful craftsmanship.

As one steps in from the wide boulevard, the high, vaulted ceiling engenders quiet reverence, its grainy surface coated in salvaged and crushed Aesop bottles mixed with render. Australian Blackbutt timber wraps the curved perimeter of the store: on one side, amber vessels stand in for books on generous shelves; on the other, timber-shrouded individual basins with low lighting are reminiscent of writing desks. On comfortable chairs, visitors are invited to leaf through the Aesop Book, or simply repose in serene contemplation. A Fragrance Armoire allows customers to imbue a piece of clothing with their aroma of choice, and thus take an olfactory memento of the experience into the outside world.

At the centre of the room, two travertine monoliths provide further opportunity for the study of our thoroughly researched formulations for the skin, hair, body and home, distinguished by botanical and laboratory-generated ingredients of the highest quality. Travertine off-cuts are archived underfoot as Palladiana terrazzo—an ancient technique that reimagines what would otherwise be considered waste as a unique floor surface. In this thoughtful environment, trained consultants are able to offer advice about products best suited to individual needs.