It’s that time of year again: Melbourne Design Week’s exciting program kicks off very soon, and cult-favourite skincare brand Aesop is getting involved in the action.

Aesop is hosting a four-part ‘expedition’ throughout their city stores as part of an ongoing collaboration exploring the possibilities of a ‘post-petrochemical world’ with experimental materials studio OTHER MATTER, founded by Jessie French.

The boundary-pushing designer is renowned for her innovation in creating a world-first sustainable alternative to PVC signage, which uses algae-based bioplastics in place of traditional plastics.

From Thursday 15 to Sunday 25 May, visitors are invited to see Jessie’s work up close with a self-guided tour starting at Aesop Flinders Lane to collect a special map, before heading to Aesop Collins Street and David Jones Bourke Street, before finishing up at Aesop QV.

Each store features an interactive installation by OTHER MATTER; from plinths wrapped in algae-based material, to a striking suspended print, or a floor-to-ceiling shower curtain, all made from the alternative bioplastic.

Anyone who visits the QV location during Melbourne Design week will have the opportunity to pluck an algae-based bottle shape from an interactive window decal to apply in your own home.

You can also register for a special version of the tour guided by Jessie French herself on Saturday May 17. Each installation will bloom into life as she personally explains the basis of her collaboration with Aesop, which aligns with the 2025 Melbourne Design Week theme of ‘heal, replenish and enable life’, revealing the potential of design as an act of repair and transformation.

Find out more about Aesop and OTHER MATTER’s Melbourne Design Week event here or register for the guided tour.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article mentioned a free gift available to those who completed the tour. Due to high demand, the complimentary gift has now been exhausted.