Aesop’s approach to design is based on respecting community, culture and history. Our intention is to weave ourselves into the fabric of place and add something of merit rather than impose a discordant presence.
Our initial design for Aesop Georgetown failed to respect community, culture and history. The concept created for the opening in 2017 was inspired by the history of Georgetown as a trade post for tobacco and by the proximity with the Potomac River. The walls of the store were outfitted with Southern Pine sticks reminiscent of tobacco barns. In referencing this history, our design neglected to acknowledge the historical ties between tobacco plantations and slavery, and the enduring and pervasive impact slavery has had on the Black community, economically, culturally, socially and biologically. As a company, we take full responsibility for failing to recognize this at the time, and we deeply apologize to our employees, customers, and partners for our mistake.