Is Aesop launching limited-edition lighting? Step into an ancient Milanese church for a sensory installation to look forward to

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The long-awaited annual event is back! From April 21 to 26, 2026, Aesop will participate in the global design event Salone del Mobile for the third consecutive year. This time, the brand has chosen Santa Maria del Carmine, a historic church near its Aesop Brera store, to present a sensory installation titled “The Factory of Light.” Within the old church’s quiet atmosphere, contemporary design enters into dialogue with historic architecture, making this one of the highlights of this year’s Design Week to add to your itinerary.

What makes the Aposē lighting collection special?

Beyond the beautiful installation, the biggest surprise is Aesop’s first-ever Aposē lighting collection. Aesop has always been highly attentive to the use of light in its store designs, and it has finally given this aesthetic a physical form. The new collection comprises 3 pieces, all designed in-house by the brand, with 1 set to be released as a limited edition. The Aposē collection tells the story of craftsmanship passed down through generations of family workshops. As light and shadow softly meet, the fixtures’ silhouettes and textures quietly emerge, with a quality that makes you want to collect them right away.

This new lamp has a distinctly architectural form, pairing a matte metal base with a rounded geometric shade. As the light refracts, it creates captivating layers of light and shadow across the walls. More than a source of illumination, it feels like a quiet companion, instantly filling your home with the warmth and reassurance of a sanctuary. Its contours and textures quietly emerge where light and shadow meet, bringing a quality to the space that makes you want to slow down.

What sensory experiences should you not miss inside The Factory of Light?

The Factory of Light was created by Rodney Eggleston, founder of Australian architecture studio March Studio. Centered on the theme of hands, it pays tribute to the precision and focus of craftsmanship. The installation is built from recycled scaffolding and tarps, which use trompe-l’oeil techniques to create playful optical illusions. Once inside, you’ll move through 4 interconnected spaces.

 

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The amber wave in the church’s sacristy is undoubtedly the most eye-catching feature. This undulating surface is made from 10,000 perfume bottles, with light passing through them and falling onto the carved wooden walls for a truly mesmerizing effect. Aesop President Garance Delaye shared that the brand’s signature amber bottles were originally designed to protect its formulas, yet have since become an ideal medium for changing light and shadow.

If you’re in Milan, this exhibition is highly recommended. Since its founding in 1987, Aesop has remained focused on the connection between people and space. This work is more than a visual exhibition; it also offers a chance to rest and settle both body and mind. All formulas remain cruelty-free, and the company is B Corp certified. This care for people and the environment is perfectly reflected in this journey through light and shadow.

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