Every day we are inspired by the people who cross Aesop's path. One of these is Australian artist Lucy McRae, from whom we have commissioned a short film. We look forward to sharing her visceral work with you as part of our ongoing support of innovative art and artists. Across the seas, we are searching for exceptional thinkers to work with us in New York. We have secured a space in Nolita, a kiosk in Grand Central Station, and will have two additional locations operating before year end. If you'd like to join our New York team, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . On a personal note, we would like to pay our respects to the people of Japan who have shown enormous courage and dignity in the worst of circumstances. We extend to them sincere wishes for a safe future.
LEARN
About Swedish designer and architect Greta Grossman (1906-1999), legendary in Los Angeles for the 20 years she worked there following her impressive career in Europe, but relegated to relative obscurity since then. We are pleased there is renewed interest in Grossman's work, including the exhibition of her lighting at last year's Stockholm Furniture Fair. In addition to her interior pieces, Grossman is to be celebrated for the split-level, open-plan houses she designed for Hollywood's hills and canyons, adding immeasurably to the aesthetic appeal of that part of the world.
SHARE
The literary magazine Stone Soup with children aged eight to thirteen. Since 1973, Stone Soup has published stories, poems and illustrations by and for children. Samples of recent contributions can be seen on their website. Based in Santa Cruz, California, the magazine publishes six times a year and is distributed to more than forty countries. Founders William Rubel and Gerry Mandel explain they created Stone Soup 'because we believed quality writing by children would inspire other children to read and write.' Here's hoping for an erudite and expressive next generation.
DISCOVER
The 3D printed Aesop bottles created by Shapeways and Australian artist Sarah K for display at The Other Hemisphere stall during Milan Design Week 2011. Sarah K is working with the printer to make oversize bottles, cut in half yet fully functional. The bottles are in production and we are fascinated with the process that will bring them into being. Not only can 3D printing recreate our iconic product containers, it is possible they will one day replicate human organs. Anthony Atala discusses that astounding possibility at TED.
LISTEN
To Max Richter's critically praised second solo album The Blue Notebooks. Contemporary classical composer Richter was previously part of the Piano Circle ensemble which performed works by Brian Eno and Philip Glass, among others. This new recording melds together spoken word (readings by Tilda Swinton from the writings of Franz Kafka and Czeslaw Milosz), piano, violin, cello, sounds gathered from the streets of London, and electronic beats, to create music that is lyrical, emotional, and utterly transfixing. Listen carefully and you will hear it played in our stores.
WATCH
Norwegian Wood, a romantic drama directed by Tran Anh Hung and based on the novel by revered author Haruki Murakami, who has only allowed his work to be translated to the screen once before (the short story 'Tony Takitani'). This film is poetic in every conceivable way: a tale of young love, stunningly shot, and with a soundtrack by Jonny Greenwood, best known as a member of Radiohead. The Guardian's film critic Peter Bradshaw says Norwegian Wood is 'beautifully made, well-acted and offers a swoon of pleasure.' As fans of botah the director and author we couldn't agree more.
CONSIDER
Tokyo's Small Olympic Arena, a Modernist concrete and steel structure with a swooping suspended roof, designed by Osaka-born Kenzo Tange from 1961 to 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics swimming and diving events. Tange (1913-2005) is regularly described as one of Japan's most significant architects, winning the Pritzker Prize in 1987. He is much admired for his work, from 1949 to 1955, on the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is influenced by the work of Le Corbusier, with whom he met prior to embarking on this ambitious project. Tange's work is evidence of a lifetime commitment to honing his craft, a quality we consistently admire.
EAT
Sustainably sourced, high-quality Fish 4 Ever tinned sardines. Sardines contain a high concentration of coenzyme Q10, said to benefit cardiovascular health, vitamin B12, omega-3 oils, protein and calcium. They are also one of the few food sources for vitamin D. It's very important to be selective about the type you buy, for ethical, taste and health reasons. Many supermarket brands are lesser members of the herring family, often with a pungent smell. And while larger fish offer many benefits, they commonly carry higher levels of toxins such as mercury.
VISIT
The first Aesop store in Perth, which opened in Claremont on 23 March. Should that be far from where you live, perhaps one of our other new stores will suit you. We are excited to have secured three spaces in New York, two in Bondi and a temporary counter in Selfridges, London. Australian customers should also look out for our installations in May in Myer windows in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Should you dine at Brawn in East London any time soon, do make sure to visit the bathrooms: you'll find Aesop here too.
ENJOY
Our fragrant, invigorating Geranium Body Scrub, a much-anticipated addition to our Geranium Leaf body care range. Geranium Leaf Body Scrub contains two grades of milled Pumice and micronised Bamboo Stem to provide exfoliation, while Geranium Leaf oil soothes and calms the skin. Mandarin and Bergamot oils are included for their ability to purify and disinfect. This scrub is ideal as a weekly deep-cleansing treatment, or for use after waxing or shaving to help avoid ingrown hairs.
IMAGE
Lucy McRae
Becoming TransNatural, 2011 (Detail)
Photographed by Branca Cuvier
'The farther you enter the truth, the deeper it is.' Bankei Zenji