Australian skincare brand Aesop has opened its debut store in Beijing, as the beauty firm continues to make inroads across Asia.
SEE ALSO: Aesop unveils its first flagship boutique in Thailand
Located in the Chinese capital city’s Wangfujing shopping district, the new ‘Aēsop WF Central House 19’ store was designed by Beijing-based architectural firm, Atelier Auasua, and pays homage to traditional courtyard home architecture from a residence once owned by a cousin of the Qing dynasty’s last emperor, Puyi.
Upon arrival, guests enter the courtyard where the classic pergola is reimagined as a retractable structure draped in waterproof canvas and crimson xiangyunsha tea silk. This semi-outdoor area boasts a duo of long benches crafted from glazed tiles and recycled stone troughs reminiscent of goldfish basins. To one side, visitors will find a tea station that recalls a marketplace wonton stall.
The store is distinguished by high ceilings and wooden rafters characteristic of siheyuan architecture, punctuated by Ming dynasty furniture. Inside, visitors can find Aesop’s full range of skincare, which is displayed in large teak structures inspired by classic step-beds. Each of these alcoves host copper sinks allowing shoppers to try Aesop’s skin care products.
Adjacent to the main hall, the east pavilion is dedicated to the retailer’s olfactory products, including fragrance armoires and an infusion chambers. The west pavilion houses a ensuite where individual consultations can occur.
The Beijing location also boasts the brand’s Rinse and Return initiative, where customers can bring used Aesop packaging to the store, where it will be collected for future recycling.
The Beijing debut comes after Aesop unveiled its first signature store in Thailand, and its first ground-level boutique in Southeast Asia. Late last year, the LVMH-owned brand opened a new Hong Kong location along Hollywood Road.