The second incarnation of Aesop Kaohsiung Hanshin Arena, Taiwan, pays homage to an historic market in nearby Yan Cheng District. Established in 1948, rebuilt in 1975 and revitalised in recent years, the market has housed a cornucopia of vendors over the decades—a sense of these past lives hangs in the air within its contemporary bustle. Floor tiles that bear the imprint of innumerable feet; counters that provide a steady surface for a quick pick-me-up; fabric shades that double as signs—Aesop’s in-house design team sought to conjure this spirit in its exploration of form and material.
Aesop Hanshin Arena
Department store
Phone
Opening hours
- Monday11:00am - 10:00pm
- Tuesday11:00am - 10:00pm
- Wednesday11:00am - 10:00pm
- Thursday11:00am - 10:00pm
- Friday11:00am - 10:30pm
- Saturday11:00am - 10:30pm
- Sunday11:00am - 10:00pm
Amid the hubbub of the retail centre, the partially enclosed Aesop space is structured as a casual stall while also offering sufficient sanctuary for the weary customer. A comforting palette of dusty rose brings visual relief; terrazzo and stainless steel bestow durability to surfaces worn by hands and feet. By contrast, a long stretch of canvas softens the display wall and frames the room, echoing the canopies of the market’s abundant booths.
A Fragrance Library entices visitors to discover Aesop’s array of fragrances and allows them to infuse an item of clothing with their aroma of choice, carrying it away with them into the arena. At the shared and individual basins, the store’s trained consultants are able to offer advice about products best suited to individual needs.