Aesop Maps a New Sensory Terrain With ‘The Second Skin’ at Salone del Mobile

At this year’s Salone del Mobile Milano, Aesop presents The Second Skin, an immersive installation that blends scent, touch and design. Set within the historic Chiesa del Carmine, the experience reimagines skin as both a physical surface and a symbolic boundary, reflecting Aesop’s enduring interest in the relationship between the body, space and ritual.

Visitors are welcomed into a space where self-care becomes a shared experience. Elevated hand basins line the room, turning the simple act of handwashing into something meditative and communal. At the heart of the courtyard stands a striking 16-metre-long table, crafted by British furniture maker Sebastian Cox. Made from Cedar of Lebanon, the table fills the space with a warm, woody aroma reminiscent of Aesop’s Eleos collection. Designed to seat 50 guests, it encourages people to pause and engage with Aesop’s formulations through scent and touch.

In a quieter adjoining room, Aesop introduces the Capsule of Respite, a calming retreat curated with rare 20th-century Italian furniture sourced from design gallery Morentz. Invited guests are offered hand and arm massages that highlight the brand’s Eleos range in a peaceful, sensory-focused setting.

This marks Aesop’s second appearance at Salone del Mobile and its first year as the official Sensory Patron of the event. The installation will be on display until April 13. For those wishing to extend the experience, Aesop’s Brera location – just a short walk away – invites visitors year-round to enjoy its carefully curated design and aromatic ambiance. Visit their website for more details.