Here’s how the designers of this Aesop store pay tribute to the hyperlocal, showing that successful retail design doesn’t have to follow a repeat formula. 

Frame’s Take

Aesop’s second brand store in Madrid was designed by the same design duo that created the city’s first. Ciszak Dalmas and Matteo Ferrari’s second collaboration is far from formulaic, however: the care that they take in paying tribute to the hyperlocal is apparent, and the resulting shop exudes a more playful energy than the first. Perhaps this is due to the geometric patterns resulting from the trencadís mosaic technique. Traditionally used to decorate irregular surfaces, this technique is used by the designers as a finish, extending through the shop to emphasize the sculptural floors and pedestals. In addition, the shop blends seamlessly with its surroundings in terms of colour while still presenting a novel interior.

Key Features

Located in Madrid’s historical Las Salesas district nearby Palacio Longoria, Aesop Las Salesas is a tribute to the architectural heritage of its immediate surroundings. Weathered stone columns tie outside to in, creating the sense of a serene courtyard while a glass-clad portico in the centre of the space shows off Alpi wood finishes and stone-like sinks in characteristic Aesop fashion. Stepping back and viewing the shop from the outside in, it becomes apparent that the colours used in the interior of the store match the exterior of the building – while still remaining true to the Aesop brand – and the tile pattern is referred to on the store sign, bringing a bit of inside to the exterior as well.