Australian skincare brand Aesop has unveiled its latest retail space in the Yorkville section of Toronto, designed in collaboration with locally based studio Odami. The tranquil store draws upon the architectural and societal history of the neighborhood, which is distinguished by Victorian homes and lanes and squares that serve as community hubs.
“Over time, we’ve seen a shift in the retail experience growing increasingly impersonal, which was something we wanted to push against with this design. We wanted the space to feel intimate and welcoming,” says Arancha González Bernardo, architect and cofounder of Odami. “Aesthetically, we tried to achieve this by actually leaning away from a commercial or overly stylized design language in favor of more familiar characteristics and features, such as those more typically found in a house.”
Warmth permeates the new Aesop outpost, which features walls and ceilings wrapped in a rich ruby hue that evokes restful intimacy. Maple railing spindles also adorn the walls in homage to Yorkville’s Victorian porches and staircases, while a fragrance library is camouflaged in one of the walls. A large basin anchors the large and open interior along with a dedicated tea station and cushioned benches that offer respite. “The customer is invited to slow down and feel a bit more at home,” Bernardo adds.
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