Aesop’s newest Milan store in Piazza Cordusio will morph into a sensorial showpiece by Belgian architect Nicolas Schuybroek. Entitled Form follows formulation, the structure takes its very form from regimented rows of Aesop product, following a formulation-first logic that is central to the brand’s philosophy.

‘The scenography is inspired by the Arte Povera movement from the late 60s and 70s,’ says Schuybroek. ‘This movement has inspired my practice for many years now, and shaped the basis of this project for Aesop, which is known for its minimalist packaging. Restricting materiality to something as simple as a soap bar resonates with the principles of the movement, while also echoing Superstudio’s iconic monochromatic grid structures from the 70s.’

As in many of his pieces, here Schuybroek explores modes of unconventional construction with an everyday material—in this case a functional household item used en masse in a grid formation. Within the assembly, small rectangular cavities are created by removing soap bars, generating portals through which to enter—via film—the sensorial world of Aesop’s products. The soap slabs are supported by a slender timber structure that can be readily disassembled and reused in different locations after the fair has ended.

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Aesop Milano, Piazza Cordusio 2, Unit 4, 20123 Milano

Opening hours Tue 16th – Sun 21st