Of past and presence

Following its remarkable decade-long restoration, the Rockbund buildings reopened in late 2023, unearthing a story that is deeply rooted in the foundations of craft and diverse cultural influences. The Aesop Design Team collaborated with MLKK STUDIO to develop the concept, which is grounded in earthly materiality, the elegance of 1930s Shanghai and the character of the neighbourhood.

Inspired by the meticulous preservation of the façade, the store utilises a range of bespoke, undyed clay finishes to create a symphony of warm hues and textures. Handmade tiles line the countertops, produced from clay sourced from Yi-Xin, which is where the original materials of the Rockbund were procured, while the flooring features a geometric pattern of inset bricks repurposed form the building’s façade. Through collaborating with craftspeople and gaining an intimate knowledge of the building, the design team were able to reinterpret the language of the space to emphasise its unique qualities.

Dialogues with the past are also revealed via contemporary interpretations of the Art Déco period. Geometric stepped details frame shelving units and a freestanding panel housing fragrance, while the rhythmic shapes of the softly lit ceiling lend a soothing ambience. Such elements invite reflections on the rich history of the locale, much like the store’s five basins that are lined in recycled clay. Here curious hands may gain hands-on experience of both Aesop’s formulations and the materiality of this landmark structure. 

In a world where gleaming finishes and screens result in a dearth of touch, this store celebrates the pleasures of tactility through time-honoured materials—and ideas—that withstand regularity.