After Pacific Palisades and Beverly Hills, Aēsop has finished its latest round of store openings with their Larchmont outpost, which is possibly the most relaxed and homey of the brand's Southern California boutiques. Rather than going for high concept (e.g., Century City's vertical swimming pool or Downtown's Garment District-inspired cardboard bolts) or magazine editorial chic à la Santa Monica or Silver Lake, the Larchmont store feels distinctly domestic. A sofa sitting beneath an abstract tapestry looks genuinely inviting to flop down on and soak up the store's sunny, light-drenched atmosphere. The high ceilings show exposed whitewashed ceiling joists, and a fully prepared bathroom lavatory sink is set up behind massive slabs of Kansas limestone, which is also used for the sales stands and four large demonstration sinks. Hand-carved custom armoires in honeyed wood line the walls. The airy, open quality is a big standout here, with a design balancing Aēsop's modern aesthetic with a laid-back L.A. vibe.
Still, this is Aēsop. Product is everywhere, and shoppers are encouraged to test everything. As with the Beverly Hills store, there is a section focusing on the brand's expanded fragrance line as well. (Just in time to spotlight a lovely new scent, Vivēre.) I don't need to go into the product much here ― I'm a dedicated fan of Aēsop's products. I wouldn't be paying those prices if they didn't do something for me that other products just can't. An added plus is the fantastic service at Aēsop's stores, and Larchmont has taken the crown. How shocked I was when the sales associate remembered my name from a visit years ago at another branch. (First thought: "I hope it's because I left a GOOD impression.") The staff at Larchmont is friendly, helpful, and just really seem to enjoy what they do ― as bright and welcoming as the store itself. And that makes me enjoy shopping there all the more.
I go into Aēsop whenever I see one, whether or not I need something. I enjoy visiting the stores so much. We're blessed to have some really great Aēsop boutiques here in Southern California, stretching from Pasadena to Venice, but if I had to pick a favorite right now, I'd struggle, I'd hem and haw, I'd say something about how they're all so good, and then I'd have to admit that, right now, it's Aēsop Larchmont. read more