Nestled within Madrid’s elegant Las Salesas district, a stone’s throw from the iconic Palacio Longoria, the new Aesop Las Salesas store on Calle de Fernando VI emerges as a sophisticated dialogue between heritage and contemporary design. This marks the second collaboration in the Spanish capital between the renowned skincare brand and the visionary design studio Ciszak Dalmas, alongside Spanish architect Matteo Ferrari. Their latest creation offers a distinct yet harmonious interpretation of the Aesop brand identity, deeply rooted in the rich architectural tapestry of Madrid while forging a unique spatial narrative.
The soul of the design lies in its profound engagement with Spanish Modernism, most strikingly manifested through the innovative revival of Trencadís technique. Traditionally employed to adorn curved surfaces with fragmented ceramics, Ciszak Dalmas has elevated this Catalan craft into a breathtaking, sculptural language. Within the store, vast, undulating surfaces clad in meticulously assembled Trencadís fragments create a unified, deeply textured landscape. This contemporary interpretation celebrates both meticulous handcrafted detail and bold, modern form, transforming a historical method into a defining element of 21st-century retail design.
Material selection is paramount in shaping the sensory experience of Aesop Las Salesas. Catedral glass, with its distinctive ribbed texture, plays a transformative role. It interacts dynamically with the abundant Madrid natural light, casting ever-changing patterns and luminous qualities throughout the day. This intelligent use of glazing significantly reduces the store’s reliance on artificial lighting, creating an atmosphere intrinsically linked to the passage of time. Complementing this ethereal quality are the warm, grounding textures of locally sourced Silvestre Granito and richly veined Alpi Walnut Burl wood, subtly anchoring the space in Madrid’s material heritage while adding layers of tactility and warmth.
At the conceptual and physical heart of the store lies a remarkable architectural gesture: a transparent floating portico. This elegant structure masterfully blurs boundaries between the customer-facing retail space and the operational back-of-house areas. Acting simultaneously as a threshold and a focal point, the portico invites curiosity and exploration. It offers curated glimpses into the meticulous rituals – the preparation, the formulation – that underpin the Aesop customer experience, adding a layer of depth and authenticity to the journey.
The store layout is conceived for intuitive discovery and fluid movement. Eschewing rigid barriers, the design fosters a palpable sense of openness and accessibility. This carefully calibrated spatial flow encourages visitors to navigate the store with ease, enhancing customer engagement. Thoughtfully framed product displays and inviting seating areas are strategically placed, creating intimate moments for quiet interaction. This supports Aesop’s philosophy of a slower, more considered retail experience, allowing for personal connection and unhurried consultation.
Photography by Salva López beautifully captures the interplay of light, texture, and form that defines the project. His images reveal the sculptural quality of the Trencadís elements, the ethereal glow filtered through the Catedral glass, and the warm materiality of the stone and wood, solidifying the store’s position as a significant piece of contemporary Madrid architecture.
More than a mere point of sale, Aesop Las Salesas Madrid stands as a thoughtful and eloquent response to its context. Designed by Ciszak Dalmas, it is a space that respectfully honours the cultural identity of its historic neighbourhood while confidently embracing a forward-looking, human-centred design ethos. By masterfully merging heritage craft techniques like Trencadís with innovative spatial concepts and sustainable material choices, the store transcends commerce, becoming a compelling destination for connection, discovery, and the enduring power of enduring craft within the dynamic heart of Madrid.