Skincare brand Aesop has unveiled a minimalist store in London’s Knightsbridge, showcasing a unique “soap corridor” crafted from uniform tiles made from the everyday bathroom staple. Nestled within a slender, narrow space on Brompton Road, this Aesop outlet is distinguished by a striking floor-to-ceiling installation composed of cream-hued soap bars.
The installation, designed by architect Nicolas Schuybroek, was originally displayed in an Aesop store in Milan during the city’s design week in April. The soap slabs are meticulously arranged in a gridded pattern, supported by a subtle timber framework that allows for easy disassembly and relocation to different venues.
Aesop reflected on Schuybroek’s innovative approach, noting that he transformed one of the most basic household items—a bar of soap—into an unconventional sculpture. The architect drew inspiration from the simplicity of Arte Povera, an Italian art movement from the 1960s to the 1970s that emphasized the use of everyday materials over traditional mediums like oil paint or carved marble.
In a statement, Aesop explained that just as Arte Povera artists limited themselves to simple materials in their poetic works, the store’s spatial constraints foster a streamlined design embodied in the soap corridor. This design philosophy enhances the overall aesthetic of the space.
As with every Aesop location, the Knightsbridge store features a central basin dedicated to skin consultations. Every piece of furniture within the store has been repurposed from the Aesop furniture collection, including the basin and the striking grey geometric display shelving. In one corner of the store, additional bars of soap are artfully stacked into a sculptural heap, introducing a playful element to the otherwise serene and muted interior. This creative touch adds a layer of whimsy to the minimalist design.
Aesop has indicated that Schuybroek’s installation is intended to travel to various Aesop locations, with the Brompton Road store serving as its second home. This initiative reflects the brand’s commitment to innovative design and the dynamic nature of its retail spaces.