Kengo Kuma designs Aman skincare bottles to mark the resort’s 30th anniversary
Strange though it is to compare a face cream to a bunch of buildings, the new skincare line from Aman does it’s best to embody all the sense of place, architecture, nature and wellbeing that the resort chain famously espouses. Aman Formations is launching on the occasion of the resort’s 30th anniversary. Taking no risks on the bottle design they charged Kengo Kuma with shaping containers that would visually make the connection. The resort’s Eastern origins are channelled in the sake bottle silhouettes while stone, representing permanence, and water, representing the flow of time are referenced in the containers’ finish.
‘We wanted to combine a sense of Japanese material tradition with simple modern lines, into a new and timeless combination,’ Kuma explains of the design. ‘The starting point was a conversation between me, Mr. Vladislav Doronin [chairman and CEO of Aman], and our teams. Our aim was to arrive at something elegant and well considered, without anything superfluous. Careful consideration (that is: time well spent) is the hidden aspect of luxury, and we felt that this essence was necessary.’
With Aman's properties the world over, from Bhutan to the Caribbean via Morocco, all ingredients are arguably local. The exotic roll call includes powdered pearl, Palo Santo, cactus oil, algaes, wild-harvested butters and muds from the rainforest, amethyst and jade, copper and silver.
The active aspects of these ingredient gems have been targeted for their ability to restore, transport and transform, the same ambition the various destinations themselves boast. Grounding Amethyst Bath and Shower oil, purifying Active Marine Mask, nourishing Silk Cocoon Face Cream are examples from the three skincare families. They can’t replace a body, heart and soul nourishing trip to Amangiri in the Utah desert, but do go some way to plugging the gap.
A version of this article originally appeared in the July 2018 issue of Wallpaper* (W*251)
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Aman website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Jaguar reveals its new graphic identity ahead of a long-awaited total brand reboot
Jaguar’s new ethos is Exuberant Modernism, encapsulated by a new visual language that draws on fine art, fashion and architecture
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Olfactory Art Keller: the New York gallery exhibiting the smell of vintage perfume, blossoming lilacs and last night’s shame
Olfactory Art Keller is a Manhattan-based gallery space dedicated to exhibiting scent as art. Founder Dr Andreas Keller speaks with Lara Johnson-Wheeler about the project, which doesn’t shy away from the ‘unpleasant’
By Lara Johnson-Wheeler Published
-
Explore a barn conversion with a difference on the Isle of Wight
Gianni Botsford Architects' barn conversion transforms two old farm buildings into an atmospheric residence and artistic retreat, The Old Byre
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Musician Kelly Lee Owens launches candle with Haeckels
The electronic musician and English skincare brand create a candle inspired East London's canal with proceeds donated to the restoration of the area's nightlife
By Mary Cleary Last updated
-
Haeckels opens ‘home of tranquility’ in Margate
By Elly Parsons Last updated
-
Digital-first beauty brand True Botanicals gets physical in San Francisco
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated
-
RÖ Skin introduces contemporary wellness treatment rooms to a rural British town
By Luke Halls Last updated
-
Sustainable beauty co-op Récolte goes big on branding in Brussels
By Siska Lyssens Last updated
-
The 7 steps to sustainable cosmetics, from Stockholm’s new beauty sensation
By Sotos Varsamis Last updated
-
Elan vital: Louisa Canham aims left of centre with new beauty brand La Eva
By Mary Cleary Last updated
-
Clean sweep: True Botanicals’ toxin-conscious luxury skincare line is a winner
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated