Australian skincare brand Aesop prides itself in engaging a different design for each of its stores. With an international portfolio of bespoke boutiques created in collaboration with influential designers such as; Vincent Van Duysen, Snøhetta and fellow Australian designers March Studio and Clare Cousins – Aesop continues to hold our attention with its innovative use of materials and authenticity.

Since its humble Melbourne beginnings in 1987, Aesop has a reputation for incorporating key elements of each of its store’s unique locality drawing on points of heritage and characteristics from each as direction for a different design every time. Its latest store, by designer Carole Whiting in the rural Victorian spa-town of Daylesford was no exception.

Part of a concession within Victoria Varrasso’s beautifully curated Manteau Noir store in the centre of the leafy and historic town of Daylesford, Aesop was a natural extension of Manteau Noir’s ‘raison d’etre’ – which is to gather products that soothe the mind, body and soul.

It was a naturally creative collaboration between Carole and Victoria, who go way back. A chance meeting at a Parisian brocante market years before has solidified a life-long friendship between the two. Bonding over similar design philosophies meant it was only a matter of time before they joined forces on a project together and when the opportunity for a dedicated Aesop space in Victoria’s store came up, Carole was ready to lend her design expertise.

A Wabi-Sabi philosophy and repurposing of ‘found objects’ formed the design ethos behind the space located at the very back of the store. From the restored baby bath sourced on a Belgium trip to a vintage stool, Brodware Yokato wall tap and patinated palace mirrors, together this zone emanates a warmth, texture and personality that marries it to the rest of the store.

A pared back palette and refined list of materials include a thorough saturation of navy in the form of custom storage and display units, Porters Paint’s in Inkwell and handmade, Moroccan Zelliage tiles from Tiento Tiles which continue the navy across the walls and ensure Aesop’s signature amber glass bottles are highlighted within the space. The amber bottles provide a key design element especially given that they are now considered so classical in their own right that they have their very own ‘existence’ within the design of each store. Subtle elements of aged steel – including the custom shelving, are a nod to the heritage of the building itself and add a layer of rich patina throughout.