Of paws and poise
Since 1999, Animal—a mild yet effective skin-and-fur wash—has extended Aesop’s philosophy of sensorial, efficacious care to pets. The formulation has found a permanent place in the bathrooms of epicureans who cohabit with a quadruped—and caused many a passing snout to turn in parks from Melbourne to Manila.
With a blend of conditioning ingredients and essential oils, Animal provides a considerate, aromatic cleanse for those cherished companions who acquire not-so-cherished odours. Lemon Rind, Tea Tree Leaf and Spearmint Leaf are the basis of its fresh, citrus and herbaceous scent, specially devised to not overstimulate sensitive noses—and to also reward the devoted hands that lather and scrub. So much so, it has been known for a dog’s unfurred counterpart to use the formulation as their hand wash of choice.
In 2026, the brand celebrates Animal while paying playful homage to Aesop’s origins. The key moment will be the transformation of select stores to welcome the loyal and leashed. As the aromas of essential oils readily waft down sidewalks and around street corners, Aesop is often smelt before it is seen: in that sense, dogs make for natural followers of the brand.
The Aesop Paw Parlour
In a brief but meaningful reimagining, the below Hong Kong stores will be transformed into Aesop Paw Parlours for a day. Sitting patiently by the basin will be Animal wash—available to try on both hands and paws. Treats, both edible and wearable, will be dished out by Aesop consultants to the good boys and girls in attendance—including Polaroid pet portraits, and customised bandanas designed for dog necks, though likely to bedesiredby humans as well. Visitors are encouraged to book their session in advance, as space is limited.
Participating stores:
Aesop New Town Plaza
25 – 26 July
Sessions: 2:00pm / 5:00pm
Bookings: +852 2110 1637
Aesop Fashion Walk
1 – 2 August
Sessions: 2:00pm / 5:00pm
Bookings: +852 2890 8234
Aesop Hollywood Road
8 – 9 August
Sessions: 2:00pm / 5:00pm
Bookings: +852 2673 3885
A scene of immaculate canine care
A new Animal film takes an irreverent yet elegant approach to portraying the pampering of pets.The setting takes inspiration from Emeis—the Melbourne hair salon that was the start of Aesop’s story in 1987. In the clip, three canines of impeccable comportment—Lenny, Ginny and Rafa—with fur silkily long to gravity-defyingly bouffant, enter a grooming parlour befitting of their graceful nature. Here, thanks to the skin-and-fur wash, groomers bestow a polishing of paws and a finessing of fur to reveal three thoroughly well-coiffed canines. As well as establishing the experience of washing with Animal, the film sets the scene for the series of global Aesop Paw Parlours.
‘Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.’ Anatole France
