AESOP OPENS THE SECOND SKIN AT SALONE DEL MOBILE.MILANO 2025

Images courtesy of Aesop

An Architectural Ode to the Epidermis, Now Welcoming Members of the Public

Aesop invites culture enthusiasts and those curious about their senses to explore its installation, “The Second Skin” at Chiesa del Carmine. The exhibition draws inspiration from the sensual, protective, and regulatory functions of the skin, as well as the alluring entryways that characterize many buildings in Milan.

When members of the public enter the church, they will undergo a desensitization process. The experience begins in the sacristy, where Aesop’s Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm is incorporated into the mortar for the walls. The balm’s woody, herbaceous, and spicy scent emanates from these textured surfaces, while the mesmerizing reflections of flowing water evoke the dewy sheen of sweating skin. As visitors move further inside, they are encouraged to engage with the building’s aroma. They will eventually discover a hidden inner sanctum, where a film depicting the joyous act of bathing through dance is showcased. Created for the launch of Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser, the work was made in collaboration with Nayoung Kim, an independent choreographer and current dancer of Tanztheater Wuppertal.

Aesop designed a series of basins specifically for installation in the church’s cloisters, drawing inspiration from practical schoolyard sinks. Aesop’s stores are well-known for their basins, which serve as platforms for conversation, demonstration, and sometimes even theater. An unexpected location for a large-scale furniture demonstration is the courtyard. A wooden table crafted by English fine furniture maker Sebastian Cox makes a striking impression, measuring almost 16 meters in length and seating 50 people. For guests, Aesop’s Capsule of Respite, located in a separate room within the church, offers a unique cultural and sensory experience.

Presented by Molteni&C

Aesop is proud to be this year’s official Sensory Patron of Salone del Mobile.Milano, the premier furniture festival in the world. This role allows Aesop to showcase its long-standing commitment to thoughtful design. The company has always combined sensuality and aesthetics with practical outcomes, evident in its subtle amber bottles and the incorporation of regional design language in its retail spaces.

For those who follow their nose from The Second Skin in search of more aromatic interaction, Aesop Brera, one of the brand’s four permanent locations in Milan, is only a short walk across Piazza del Carmine. To commemorate the festival in each, Aesop will employ its distinct vision for visual storytelling.