L’Oréal Travel Retail has opened its first Aesop store in Hainan, China, in partnership with China Duty Free Group. Located within the China Duty Free Sanya Duty Free Shop, the architecture of the store is inspired by the island of Hainan.
The space is meant to resemble a deep ocean cave. To achieve this effect, algae was used to coat 2,000 aluminum pieces suspended from the ceiling light fixture and the four-metre entrance column.
Aesop collaborated with Australian artist Jessie French—who develops algae-based bioplastics—to preserve the algae while maintaining its biodegradability. The semi-transparent algae is illuminated, casting reflections on the walls and floor.
The ceiling light fixture and entrance column are meant to frame the store’s central basins, where customers can test the brand’s formulations for the skin, hair and body.
Like other Aesop stores, the boutique provides customers a cup of tea and oshibori (hot towel) and features a specially designed space for the brand’s fragrances. To mark the opening of the store, customers are offered local Hainan tea flavors and a printed neighborhood guide for a limited time.
