Raffles College of Higher Education is honoured to have Mr Gabriel NG, Aesop Store Design Project Manager (Southeast Asia) on campus to share about the fascinating intersection of sustainability and retail design with Raffles-Coventry MA Design Management students and Raffles Interior and Product Designers.

Aesop was established in 1987 and is headquartered in Melbourne and have offices and stores in many parts of the world.

The company’s objective has always been to formulate skin, hair and body care products of the finest quality; investigates widely to source plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients and use only those with a proven record of safety and efficacy.

When considering new locations, it is Aesop’s intention to weave the boutiques into the fabric of the street and add something of merit rather than impose a discordant presence.

The talk provided valuable insights into how businesses can create spaces that are both visually appealing and functional, while minimizing their environmental impact. Mr Ng is a key mover of the brand’s commitment to environmental consciousness and innovative retail experiences.

He walked students through the making of one of Aesop’s stores which was carefully crafted with sustainability in mind. The store, inspired by tea making process of Teh Tarik, saw textile Malaysian artist Muni Osman go through five months of experimentation with tea dye and linen, to produce the fabric that transformed the store into an amber-hue cocoon.

Next time you visit a nearby Aesop boutique, do find out more about the design rationale behind creating a unique retail experience!

An insightful lesson by Design!