Aesop, the Australian skincare brand celebrated for its commitment to clarity and minimalist design, has once again captivated the design world with its latest installation at Milan Design Week. “The Factory of Light” is a breathtaking fusion of product innovation and immersive art, perfectly embodying the brand’s aesthetic of warm, lustrous design.
Aposē: Where Skincare Meets Illumination
Central to the exhibition is the unveiling of the Aposē luminaire, a table lamp whose design narrative is deeply rooted in Aesop’s own product development. Inspired by the humble aluminum tubes used to test and produce their renowned formulations, the Aposē lamp is a testament to finding beauty in industrial utility. This limited-edition piece, with only 500 units available, casts a soft, yellowish-brown light from its frosted glass crown. Its Murano-style blown glass, with its unique refractive qualities, subtly echoes the elegant form of an Aesop handsoap bottle, forging an intrinsic link between the brand’s skincare philosophy and its foray into lighting.
An Ethereal Landscape in a Baroque Setting
To showcase the Aposē, Aesop collaborated with long-time partner Rodney Eggleston, founder of Sydney-based March Studio. Within the majestic 15th-century Baroque-style Santa Maria del Carmine church, Eggleston crafted an extraordinary, undulating landscape. Here, bespoke variants of the Aposē lamp, presented in three varying heights, emerge from a meticulously arranged field of repurposed 50 ml fragrance vials. In a stroke of design genius, these three fixtures are the sole source of illumination, their light diffusing through the myriad glistening vials below, transforming the historic space into an ethereal, glowing tableau. “The bottles act as mediators between the lamps and the space,” Eggleston noted, highlighting the striking dialogue between ancient architecture and contemporary design.
The Art of Creation: Handcrafting Aposē
The installation also offers an intimate glimpse into the rigorous craftsmanship behind the Aposē lamp. Recessed alcoves feature compelling videos detailing the intricate manufacturing journey: the brass plinth, painstakingly hand-forged in Germany; the delicate glass halo, hand-lathed near Venice. This transparent exploration of artisanal skill draws a poignant parallel to the meticulous care involved in Aesop’s handcare products, underscoring a shared dedication to quality and precision. A subtly diffused scent throughout the space further enhances the sensory experience, symbolizing the lamp’s complete journey from industrial creation to a cherished object in one’s home.
Beyond the Interior: A Façade of Illusion
Extending the artistic narrative, the church courtyard features the exhibit wrapped in a printed scaffolding structure. This design choice is a thoughtful homage to a European tradition: adorning construction scaffolding with trompe l’oeil tarpaulins that depict the forthcoming new or restored facades. It’s a clever visual metaphor, hinting at the layers of design, anticipation, and artistry that define both the installation and Aesop’s overarching philosophy.
For more information on the Aposē Table Lamp by Aesop, visit aesop.com
. Photography by Ludovic Balay, courtesy of Aesop, beautifully captures the installation’s captivating allure.
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