Our ongoing love affair with Aesop continues with their latest store in Japan. As regular readers will be aware (thanks to past articles on Aesop London, San Francisco and Hong Kong)  the Australian skin care brand commissions individual designs for every store, and invited Torafu Architects to design the opening of their second store in Kyoto.

Kawaramachi is a fast-moving commerical area, yet Torafu's design radiates calm, mixing classic inspiration with contemporary savvy. The original structure and materials of the building are complemented with subtle green accents, while squid fishing lamps hang from the high ceiling to bathe the room in a warm glow. Ōya stone dominates the colour palette, complemented by the flexible mortar-style board used for the shelving.To make the most of the narrow, yet deep, proportions, the retail environment was placed at the front of the store, while the rear hosts a hospitality area for customers to relax in. The first floor space extends upstairs to a gallery for further contemplation and meditation.

Aesop Kawaramachi
327 Shioyacho Takoyakushi
Kawaramachi dori
Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

Photos Takumi Ota

torafu.com