Aesop Nolita

From newsprint walls to a city-based campaign, Aesop's holistic design in their new NYC store

Since its inception in 1987, Australian skincare line Aesop has gone to great lengths to ensure quality. Everything from manufacturing to distribution, including of course their all-natural, socially-conscious products, is the result of a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach. When it comes to opening retail locations, the brand focuses on meshing seamlessly into its surroundings, drawing on elements from the locale to incorporate them into the space. …

Maison & Objet Fall 2011, Part Two

Six innovative and sustainable designs sighted at Paris' renowned interiors expo

Following up to part one of our 2011 Maison & Objet coverage, which focused on the transitional modes of design that cater to indoor and outdoor use, part two aims to showcase the recent innovations in sustainable design. Seen in the general recycling of traditional fibers as well as environmental breakthroughs in classic lighting systems, the eco-friendly theme was thriving at the biannual housewares expo. …

Mitz Takahashi

A Japanese designer crafting mid-century style furniture from recycled and salvaged wood

Montreal-based woodworker Mitz Takahashi upcycles wooden offcuts into unique, modern designs. Working by hand with mostly reclaimed lumber like mahogany, walnut, oak and other found materials, Osaka-born Takahashi spends his days tooling around creating works based on his favorite elements of mid-century design. Working mainly on a commission basis, Takahashi crafts everything from bookshelves to guitar amps, and attempts to minimize even more waste by …