Products
The Moving Essence
As candlelight flickers, aromas envelop our senses, and shadow dances, minimalism transcends traditional values to offer serene living. Japanese design principles emphasize minimalism and nature connection, significantly impacting interior design trends and inspiring creators who appreciate its timeless elegance and sophisticated aesthetic.
Updated 01:35 pm EDT, June 3, 2025
Published 02:45 pm EDT, May 22, 2025
Photo Credits
Fashion Designer: Custo Barcelona
Model: Criselys Garcia
Modeling Agency: The Walk Collective
Styling: Karo Delgobbo
Styling Assistant: Pietra Delgobbo
Photography & Set Design: Flávio Iryoda
LEI creates an atmosphere that evokes a bond with nature. Natural light fills rooms, while shadows, or “in’ei,” create depth alongside mystery. Every object serves a practical purpose rather than displaying opulence because it enhances both aesthetics and functionality within the space. The creation of the LEI aroma diffuser emerged from a quest for harmony and an understanding of elemental balance, which manifests Japanese minimalism through its aroma-diffusing design.
Yasuyuki Nagato’s design team produced an aroma diffuser that works using candle heat to create a fragrance-dispersing breeze that mimics the calming presence of a candle flame. The partnership emerged from a shared vision: The primary objective of the project was to create products that combine practical functionality with simple design while applying sustainable manufacturing methods and maintaining contemporary design standards.
The project was ultimately more demanding than expected; the design and production required much more intricate technology and precision than other typical heat from candles to operate a fan that could disperse scent without the need for electrical power input. Yasuyuki Nagato and the design team considered user safety from heat and flames essential when handling their products.
While many modern products are designed in pursuit of convenience and functionality, the development of LEI moved in the opposite direction. Instead of adding more, it aimed to reach the essence by stripping things away. By minimizing function, it allowed a quietness to emerge and achieve the fullest expression of the materials’ natural characteristics.
Its main goal was to create a product that resonated with the surrounding space itself. It required not only precise craftsmanship but also a deep understanding of the materials. What LEI brings is not simply the beauty of the object itself but the subtle beauty of the space it inhabits—where light and shadow create a sense of presence and pause.
The candle’s heat energy operates the diffuser’s single-blade propeller, which creates a soft breeze that disperses the fragrance across the room. Yasuyuki Nagato incorporated recyclable elements like metal, glass, and aluminum into his ultimate design. The selected materials provide long-lasting durability while looking visually pleasing and demonstrating LEI’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
LEI created silent and space-enhancing products by incorporating traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques and natural materials into their designs. The brand’s design philosophy took influence from handcrafted washi paper produced from natural fibers. Through its delicate texture that softly filters light to create a tranquil atmosphere, handmade washi paper shares its calming properties with LEI’s minimalist aroma diffuser and their newest Card Diffuser.
The fragrance dispersal system utilizes Japanese washi paper to emit scents naturally without requiring heat or electricity. The design represents LEI’s dedication to simplicity while achieving sensory refinement and blending nature seamlessly with living spaces. Each product improves room aesthetics through a harmonious blend of scent with lighting and shadow, creating a peaceful relationship between objects and their environment.
LEI achieves a delicate balance of light and shadow through harmonious interactions and the application of Junichiro Tanizaki’s principles from “In Praise of Shadows” (陰翳礼讃), where he writes:
美は物体にあるのではなく物体と物体との作り出す陰影のあや、明暗にある
“Beauty does not lie in objects, but in the shadows created between objects, in light and darkness.”
Sustainability is a cornerstone of LEIs’ design. The approach of using recyclable materials while foregoing external energy sources leads to a reduced carbon emission footprint. The product delivers aesthetic appeal and functionality through its environmental promise while respecting our planet. LEI has won 12 awards worldwide, including the A’ Design Award (furniture design category).
Its simple design sparked my personal curiosity at first sight. The minimalist design goes beyond decoration; it is very versatile, perfectly fitting into any interior space that appreciates harmony. It reflects individual style choices that align with sustainable and healthy living practices. LEI’s Light Reflection represents the brand’s philosophy by softly spreading light through a simple dome-shaped glass structure.
The design converts the soft flame flicker into delicate light and shadow patterns, which produces a peaceful environment and improves the sensory qualities of the space. A sustainable design similar to aroma diffusers, focusing on connecting nature with light to improve interior environments.
In summary, LEI does more than decorate because its presence gives any area a special and unique character. Each product functions as an elegant centerpiece while guiding the user through an immersive experience of fragrance and visual harmony combined with light effects.
When you own a LEI, it integrates you into a lifestyle that focuses on refined visual beauty and deep ties to nature. The product line encourages users to slow down their pace while appreciating minimalistic beauty and finding peace in their daily environment.
Meet Omar Enrique Matos: part aficionado writer, bespoke tailor, radio host, and former fashion booker. With a flair for fashion and a penchant for fun, Omar seamlessly blends expertise an passion with entertainment. From crafting bespoke suits to sharing style secrets on air, he’s a true Renaissance man of the fashion world.
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