A collaboration we really didn’t see coming, American fashion designer Rick Owens has joined forces with Australian personal and home care house Aesop. While the two seem like an unlikely duo, both parties share a desire for serenity and appreciation of thoughtful, non-conformist design.
“I LIKE TO THINK THAT WE BOTH SHARE A DESIRE TO BE AN OPTION FOR THOSE PURSUING A GENTLE, CAREFULLY CONSIDERED LIFE,” Owens wrote, embroiled in his signature tussle with the caps lock key. “MY DESIGNS MIGHT BE CONSIDERED BOLD BUT THE FOUNDATION IS ONE OF BENEVOLENCE.”
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“I AM ASKING PEOPLE TO CONSIDER AESTHETIC OPTIONS THAT MIGHT NOT BE STANDARD AND OPEN THEIR HEARTS TO DIFFERENT KINDS OF BEAUTY,” he continued. “THE FASHION WORLD CAN BE A VERY RIGID AND RESTRICTIVE PLACE AND IF I CAN ENCOURAGE PUSHING ON THOSE RESTRICTIONS, MAYBE I CAN ENCOURAGE THEM TO BE MORE OPEN TO OTHER IDEAS REGARDING TOLERANCE AND KINDNESS IN THINKING.”
Born out of mutual admiration for each other’s distinct approach to design, Owens lends his dark industrial sensibility to Aesop’s botanical blends. The Aesop x Rick Owens collection centres around the Stoic Eau de Toilette; the new scent was designed by Owens alongside frequent Aesop collaborator perfumer Barnabé Fillion and features spicy aromas of black pepper and coriander seed which intermingle with frankincense and patchouli. The fragrance is accompanied by a string of ten porous ceramic beads to which the fragrance can be applied to in order to increase longevity compared to applying the scent directly to the skin. The concept was proposed by Owens, who set out to create a ‘reassuring amulet’ which creates an intimate relationship between the fragrance and its wearer.
The collection also includes a Travel Kit which contains Owens’ favourite Aesop formulas, the Coriander Seed Body Cleanser, Resolute Hydrating Body Balm, Classic Shampoo. and Classic Conditioner. Encircling the Travel Kit is a jersey wrap crafted from organic cotton, a staple in Owens’ designs. Designed to be worn as a bandana or wrist-wrap, it features a co-branded dual grosgrain strip, a signature of Owen’s work.
Rounding out the capsule collection is an Aromatique Candle which comes in three sizes and features the Stoic scent. Taking cues from the design principles utilised in Owens’ furniture collection, the candles are ensconced within ceramic vessels inspired by the sculptures of Constantin Brancusi and Dadaist Hans Arp.
The Aesop x Rick Owens collection will be available via the Aesop webstore and in select Aesop and Rick Owens physical stores from 21st March 2022.
Words by Theo Rosen
