MFJoe

There’s been a lot of discourse (if one can call it that) recently about the shift from more functional, utilitarian appeals in advertising and branding towards those more focused on emotional, “instinctual” dimensions. To a psych geek this can seem a bit obvious from the trying to sell stuff side, but it also speaks to the consumptive saturation at play in many “developed” regions around the world. If our basic needs are always met, how else can we attempt to fill those gaping voids where our souls used to be, than by associating products and services with somewhat fantastical and largely unreachable desires? (Sorry, I had to…)

Well, all this concentration on emotions naturally leads sellers into the abstract and visceral worlds of good art and design…So, we get some pretty stores and products for all our trouble. Check out the first London outlet for Aesop, a skincare line from Australia. The store was designed by Ilse Crawford, and is both stellar and exquisite…like your humble narrator.

(Dezeen)