Just a stone’s throw away from Cordusio metro station, Aesop Milano pays homage to the design principles of Milan’s inaugural underground rapid transit line, which commenced operations in 1964. Drawing inspiration from the expansive underground areas of the Red Line, the brand’s internal design team has skillfully repurposed durable materials .
Rubber, stone, and metal pipes create sleek, futuristic compositions that prioritize both aesthetics and functionality. Bold red handrails wind around the platforms at varying heights, offering physical support to all visitors against a backdrop of marbled speckled tile flooring and green partition walls.
Housed within a century-old edifice, the Aesop store immerses guests in an abstract tunnel adorned with circular-patterned rubber. Each element within the space is meticulously crafted to be modular and adaptable, allowing for seamless transformation into a cultural hub or public gathering place.
The technical structure on the ceiling, typically concealed, is boldly highlighted in red as a nod to its essential role. At the expansive linear basin – a contemporary take on a communal wash area – passersby are encouraged to pause and engage with the brand’s unique offerings for face, hair, body, and home.
Stepping through a central doorway reveals an intimate underground carriage-like space: a plush velvet seat beckons weary travelers, while two individual washbasins invite deeper exploration of the Aesop product line.
The overall ambiance exudes a sense of tranquility and sophistication, inviting visitors to linger and indulge in moments of relaxation and self-care within this innovative retail environment.