Designed in partnership with FARM Studio, a Singaporean cross disciplinary design firm, the store draws inspiration from Selangor’s 19th century tin trade.
Since its inception in 1987, Aesop has taken pride in collaborating with various renowned architects, interior designers and artists for the interior design of its stores. Today, the Australian skincare brand has more than 200 stores worldwide and no two stores look the same on the inside.
Its latest concept store in 1 Utama particularly caught our attention for its references to Malaysia’s rich history. Take a look inside (below) to see what we mean.
The concept
Designed in partnership with FARM Studio, a Singaporean cross disciplinary design firm, the store draws inspiration from Selangor’s 19th century tin trade. Metal sheets as well as silver and grey interiors highlight this theme while embodying a distinctive aesthetic that is quintessentially Aesop.
“Tin has always been seen as a humble and mundane material that has been used in kampung houses, but the lineage and evolution of tin is something worth showcasing,” says Peter Sim, one of four founders of FARM Studio. “We wanted to give our take on this humble but ubiquitous material.”
The look
Vertically corrugated walls greet the eyes at the store entrance, with a large window at its front façade offering passersby a glimpse of its warm grey interiors. The protruding shelf recalls the haphazard order in a metal junkyard, but its tasteful finishing makes for an inviting reception.
Inside, densely stacked metal sheets supported by hidden rods and spacers line against the walls, materialising into a fine-grained shelving system. Larger heaps of sheets rest by one corner, forming dramatic platforms for product displays and customer seating.
Cast concrete counters sit between the shelves on either side of the store, contrasting the latter’s ribbed patterns with their smooth surface. Two pairs of basins are set into the rectangular indent in the center counter in opposite-facing directions, with rows of product testers neatly arranged in the divide – inviting customers to sample the products.
The experience
Though minimalistic at a glance, the well-thought out use and combination of elements paint a harmonious picture of our local heritage. Customers who are familiar with the recurring feature of metal sheets (whether from fond memories at your kampung or favourite roadside stall) will find a nostalgic comfort within its four walls.
To add, the beauty consultants are ever-ready to lend a hand or answer queries as customers test out the brand’s extensive range of products, in reflection of Malaysian hospitality. Turning on the tap at the basin will further evoke the sound of rain falling on zinc rooftops for a pleasantly satisfying shopping experience.
Pop by the Aesop 1 Utama store now for the full experience.
Location: Lot G346, Ground Floor, Bandar Utama City Centre, 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Photos: Aesop