CHINA. Leading L’Oréal-owned beauty brand Aesop’s global initiative, the Aesop Women’s Library, has come to travel retail for the first time in partnership with China Duty Free Group (CDFG) at the cdf Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex, Hainan.
Under the Aesop Women’s Library programme, selected stores empty their shelves and stock them with books by female authors for visitors to enjoy as a gift. Since 2021, the initiative has distributed over 115,000 books.
‘Follow the Tides, Anchor in the Page’ is the theme for the 2026 edition, which pays homage to the distinct island character of Hainan. In a temporary departure from traditional sales, the shelves of Aesop are cleared of formulation bottles and replenished instead with literature that champions the voices of women during July.
By elevating the written word, Aesop said it continuing its global commitment to “utilising its retail footprint as a platform for female writers, offering a curated harbour of diverse, singular voices”.
A statement said, “The library invites visitors to step off the bustling travel path and engage in a simple exchange of ideas. Without any transaction required, guests are invited to explore the curated collection and choose a copy to take with them on their journeys, embossed with a stamp marking the memory.”
To complete the literary offering, each book is presented with a bookmark and a commemorative tote bag, misted with an Aesop fragrance. The design of each item features waves as its key element, intended to evoke a strong sense of place to Sanya.
Aesop has also collaborated with coffee roaster % ΔRΔBICΔ for the initiative, with the two brands weaving their spaces together.
Within the % ΔRΔBICΔ Sanya space, a dedicated Aesop book trolley has been established. Here, visitors can browse the curated collection while enjoying a cup of coffee.
To commemorate the partnership, every cup of coffee served at % ΔRΔBICΔ during July is wrapped in an exclusively-designed cup sleeve. Additionally, % ΔRΔBICΔ introduces a limited-edition coffee blend inspired by Sanya, available solely during this partnership.
Since its inception, the Aesop Women’s Library has given a platform to underrepresented or silenced women’s voices, affirming the ability of the written word to broaden minds, embolden individuals and foster community. Recommendations from Aesopians, local bookstores and publishers form a selection of titles designed to deepen curiosity and connection.
The 2026 edition celebrates how writing that centres on the female body can give greater visibility to overlooked identities, and uncover a hidden beauty when the visceral experience emerges through language. Spanning a broad range of subjects and genres, the selection explores the diverse experiences of women and uplifts the creativity of female authors. 🏝️
