Beauty Society
Interiors & Architecture, Signage & Graphics, Retail Design
Completed Spring 2019.
The Beauty Society for John Lewis & Partners reimagines the traditional department-store beauty counter as a space of gentle immersion and intuitive exploration. Tasked with creating a centrepiece that felt feminine, approachable and future-facing, we developed a concept that softens the store’s architectural rigidity while inviting customers into a moment of calm.
Inspired by the fluid silhouette of an Alvar Aalto vase, we wrapped the experience in a sweeping curtain that dissolves the boundary between retail floor and discovery zone. This delicate enclosure forms a sanctuary—subtly shaping the customer journey from the energy of the beauty hall into the serenity at the heart of The Beauty Society.
Generous apertures in the outer volume offer controlled views and natural entry points, creating a rhythm of conceal and reveal that draws visitors inward. Despite a tight budget and accelerated timeline, the project pushed the limits of what could be achieved, landing as a fully realised concept across three prototype stores within four months. The result is a playful, welcoming environment that sets a new tone for contemporary beauty retail.
