aesop stores in japan by shinichiro ogata of simplicity

aesop stores in japan by shinichiro ogata of simplicity
photography by takumi ota

with a growing portfolio of carefully designed stores around the world, shinichiro ogata of simplicity design studio has collaborated extensively with aesop; translating the company’s beauty philosophy into the architectural aesthetics of the retail spaces he has developed for the australian skin-care brand. having already conceived ‘aesop kyoto’, ‘aesop shinsaibashi’, and ‘aesop amu plaza hakata’ in fukuoka, simplicity design studio has most recently completed ‘aesop minamiaoyama’, whose overall concept focuses on the interplay of opposites — discipline and order, effusion and reticence, heritage and futurity — that characterize the bustling city of tokyo, where it is located. 

‘aesop minamiaoyama’ by shinichiro ogata of simplicity design studio

simplicity’s overall scheme for ‘aesop minamiaoyama’ 46-square metre interior is that of a cool, concrete-clad spaciousness that projects a sense of calm that references tokyo’s resident’s quiet resolve and respect for order. at the heart of aesop minamiaoyama is a sculptural circular sink, which acts as a focal point and grounds the layout of the store. the subtlety of the space is juxtaposed by the flurry of aoyama street which is just beyond, discreetly obscured by reflective film fitted to the façade. overall, the shop focuses on a minimal material palette with contrasting shades and textures layered throughout that emerge in the mortar flooring, zinc-plated shelving and paper screens.

‘aesop minamiaoyama’ focuses on a minimal material palette, with contrasting shades and textures throughout

up close view of the simple shelving system used to display the aesop products

‘aesop minamiaoyama’ is discretely obscured by reflective film found on its façade

see more images of shinichiro ogata’s designs for ‘aesop amu plaza hakata’ in fukuoka, ‘aesop kyoto’ and ‘aesop shinsaibashi’ in the picture gallery below:

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