Celebrated for its sensorial retail spaces characterised by neutral palettes, tactile materials and subtle yet striking details, Aesop elevates the shopping experience with the same understated luxury that underpins its approach to beauty. Its zen-like stores, with neatly displayed rows of amber bottles and jars, are oases of calm that invite us to escape the bustle of everyday life.

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Each store design is unique and reflects a sense of place, thanks to the architects and designers whom the brand collaborates with, notes Marianne Lardilleux, a French architect who joined Aesop in 2019, after stints with Louis Vuitton and Celine. She was appointed to her current role as Aesop’s director of global retail design in 2023.

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For her, it’s not just about building beautiful spaces—it’s about making everyday moments more meaningful through design. “We’re not decorating interiors,” says Lardilleux, “We’re creating spaces with unique experiential qualities.”

Here, she shares how design informs every aspect of Aesop, and the beauty products that are her personal favourites.

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What do you love about working for Aesop?

I value two key aspects. First, a philosophy instilled by our founder, Dennis Paphitis, which emphasises respect for each individual in their full humanity. This shapes how we communicate, collaborate, and welcome others into our spaces. Second, the respect for architecture within the company. Every space is given specific attention, never replicated, and each project is seen as deserving time and effort. This focus on architectural merit keeps the work exciting and meaningful for me and my team.

Aesop recently held two art installations in Singapore—one of them to showcase its fragrances. How do you see the arts as a natural extension to the brand’s design philosophy?

The arts has always inspired Aesop, from architecture and design to literature, music, and the visual arts. This creative sensibility informs everything we do, from collaborations with artists to product formulation. We also celebrate the arts and community by offering our spaces for cultural expression, like our Gansevoort store in New York, where local artists exhibit their work on the ceiling. We love providing a platform for young artists to showcase their creations.

In what ways does design influence how Aesop’s products are made?

Design is incredibly important at Aesop. Whether it’s our functional amber bottles and jars, with their streamlined labels, our homewares such as the bronze incense holder, or our stores, nothing appears by accident or is an embellishment. Everything we design is in the service of our products—we focus on efficacious ingredients that will benefit our customers with minimal impact on the environment.

What are your favourite Aesop products?

I use the Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste every Monday morning. I use it in the shower to start the week feeling invigorated, ready for new ideas. I am also captivated by our new Virēre Eau de Parfum, which makes me feel as though summer hasn’t ended yet, and I’m still on holiday in Greece.

All photos courtesy of Aesop.