Brooklyn Artisan Launches Handcrafted Home Scents Inspired by Japanese Tradition

Karl Cyprien and his wife, Meg Cuna Cyprien, are introducing À La, a new line of handcrafted potpourri and incense, drawing inspiration from Japan’s purist aesthetic and centuries-old techniques. The company, established in 2025, utilizes natural ingredients and traditional craftsmanship to create a contemporary home scent experience.

À La Expands Product Line with New Incense and Potpourri

The launch includes ‘Aquilaria’ incense (£58 individually, £206 in a limited-edition porcelain box) and ‘La Lamia’ pot pourri (£35), featuring finely ground botanicals infused with patchouli and frankincense. The company sources its porcelain from Arita, Kyushu, and its incense from Awaji Island, collaborating with local families to maintain traditional methods.

Expanding Offerings with New Fragrances and Vessels

À La has tripled its offerings with a new entry-level incense box ($30) and two new incense fragrances. A standout piece is the ‘Laque Urushi’ box (£481), a deep-tamari coloured lacquer vessel designed as a ‘keeper of things.’

Sister Brand Reia Introduces ‘Serra’ Collection

Complementing the À La collection, HG101 interior designer Sophie Ashby has collaborated with Celia Foot and Sophie Salisbury of Reia on the ‘Serra Talisman,’ a limited-edition ceramic vessel (100 pieces) crafted in Stoke-on-Trent. The vessel holds Reia’s bespoke scent, ‘Serra,’ developed with an aromatherapist and featuring notes of cypress, vetiver, and bergamot. The vessel is priced at £130 and is available through Reia’s home collection and Sophie Ashby’s studio.

Japanese Craftsmanship at the Core

Cyprien’s passion for scent began in childhood, surrounded by his mother’s potpourri and his father’s incense. He emphasizes the importance of combining natural ingredients with the Japanese tradition of handcrafted porcelain, a core element of the À La brand.