One of the joys of travel is encountering unexpected gems. Through these encounters we draw inspiration, and challenge our way of working. We share details of these finds on the sleeves of our East to West gift kits, and in monthly newsletters and A to Z listings. So far, our website holds A to Zs for London, Paris and Zurich, and more will follow. In the past, we have cited treasures including Cibi in Collingwood, Rochelle Canteen in Shoreditch, and Max in Paddington, Sydney - the barber who has defied the odds. On occasion, we collaborate with like-minded global companies, with recent events including an installation in Paris’ charity-focused store Merci, and sharing space with A.P.C. in Møntergade.

Soon, we open our third store in Hong Kong in Sheung Wan, and launch our first Japanese store in Tokyo’s Aoyama, next to Maisen restaurant. We look forward to exploring these neighbourhoods, and passing on the best of them to you.

Paix sur la terre aux hommes de bonne volontée.

VISIT
The star of Luca Guadagnino’s dramatic 2009 lo Sono L’Amore (I Am Love), Villa Necchi Campiglio. Tilda Swinton, while magnificent, shares the spotlight in the film with this marble-rich Milanese mansion. Built in the 1930s, and once home to the haute bourgeois Necchi family, the building reopened to the public in 2008 following extensive restoration. Although we suspect historians and film buffs might object, we would dearly love to see Aesop in these elegant bathrooms.

GIVE The kits in our East to West collection make gift-giving a breeze. Here’s who gets what. 

The Uncle: 'Lyndhurst Terrace' is a kit created for men who mean business. Cleanse, tone, hydrate. Onwards.
The Daughter: She’s gorgeous and all grown up. Give her 'Gertrude Street' skin care, and give yourself a pat on the back.
The Spouse: Offer the world, the whole 'East to West' collection. Your generosity will have you smelling like a rose for months to come.
The Sibling: 'Oberdorfstrasse' hair care will make them jump for joy, providing an outstanding opportunity for good-natured ribbing.
The Teacher: Those charged with educating the next generation aren’t thanked nearly enough. 'Flinders Lane' will do the job.
The Aunt: 'Westbourne Grove' hand and body care treats are ideal for the gardener, the chef, the sophisticate, the scholar.
The Friend: 'Saint-Honoré' Parsley Seed skin care is a gift so special you may have trouble handing it over. Hand it over.

EAT
At Sostanza in Florence. Although it will unnerve some diners to know this trattoria is nicknamed The Trough, we suggest you lower your snout and enjoy the wonderfully hearty, generous Florentine meals guilt-free. While the owner can be stern and they take no bookings, this is the perfect venue for a chilly winter evening. Readers who live in Melbourne: this is your Pellegrini’s away from home.

DRINK
Fromm Pinot Noir 2005. New Zealand provides the world with many fine creations, from knitwear to music, and the reputation they have for respecting quality is wholly deserved. This Pinot Noir is a case in point. While there are countless examples of this Kiwi varietal, we can’t go past the finesse shown in this single-vineyard wine. This wine is quite accessible, but those with a sympathetic accountant may wish to sample the other excellent wines that Herr Kalberer and Mr Hoare offer under the Fromm label.

LISTEN
In some parts of the world, December borders on hysterical. Regardless of whether or not this is the case for you, we recommend finding a moment to sit in your favourite chair, soften your gaze, and listen to some soothing classical music. Allow yourself the indulgence of light piano concertos prior to tackling Wagner. Pleasingly, students and senior citizens can become members of WWFM The Classical Network for any amount they wish to contribute.

WATCH
Vicky Christina Barcelona. This month, we’ll revisit our favourite Woody Allen films, for his thoughtful portraits of outliers, eccentrics and cities we adore. Although much of the American writer-director’s work is an extended homage to New York (Annie Hall, Radio Days), with brief detours to honour European cinema (Love and Death, Stardust Memories), lately Allen has set his films in Spain and England. Since we are expanding our presence in the United States – offering our range in A.P.C., Mercer Street, Soho, and Space NK, with an Aesop store due to open in 2011 – we think Allen will put us in the ideal frame of mind.

DISCOVER
Books recommended by Aesop. We regularly find ways to support writers, a selfish activity of sorts since we are keen readers. This month, we have partnered with Kelly & Walsh Ltd in Pacific Place, Hong Kong, to refer our clients to The Fry Chronicles by Stephen Fry, comedian, actor, and raconteur. Aesop customers who purchase this title from Kelly & Walsh Ltd will be offered a voucher for a 50mL Aesop product which can be collected from one of our Hong Kong stores or counters of your choice.

ENJOY
The Melbourne Theatre Company’s new programme and plan your shows for the year ahead. We’ll be purchasing tickets to January’s Don Parties On, David Williamson’s sequel to his 1971 Don’s Party. In this new play, the action (directed by Robyn Nevin) once again takes place on election night, this time in 2010. Regular theatre goers may be interested to know this will be the final season at the MTC for Company Artistic Director Simon Phillips after twelve years at the helm.

'There are joys which long to be ours.' Henry Ward Beecher