Julio Lei, the creator of Aeolus, is renowned for his eccentric style that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary elements, enriched with compelling storytelling and symbolism. Raised in Macao – a former Portuguese colony renowned for its East-Meets-West encounters since the 16th century – where Baroque churches stand alongside Buddhist temples, Julio draws inspiration for his unique design style.

He began jewellery making in a local workshop specializing in Goro’s hammering technique, a departure from the style he would later embrace. Growing up, observing his architect father's work – sketching inspirations, creating blueprints – fostered Julio's appreciation for art, design, and structure. While studying for his bachelor’s degree in Marketing with Psychology in the UK, he also devoted time to fashion styling, photography, and graphic design, particularly focusing on the avant-garde scene. He sees fashion as a silent language, akin to a painting filled with hidden messages, while jewellery serves as the symbols and metaphors, adding a personal and sentimental touch to the whole.

Aeolus is a contemporary jewellery studio that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern elements, paying homage to the past while infusing absolute, unapologetic fun into every piece. The maker, Julio, draws inspiration from history, architecture, music, films, and everyday lifestyle, experimenting with classical, mythical, or even pop culture symbolism and metaphor. He believes that if you know enough references, the world is just a big remix.

Julio believes that everyone has their own story, and art is the ideal medium to capture and immortalize these moments. Jewellery, in particular, is deeply sentimental, serving as a silent message filled with emotions, attitudes, and reflections of the wearer's identity. Julio strives to create his best work while enjoying the ultimate fun during the creative journey, where he truly appreciates the happiness drawn from art but also inspires those who wear them - capturing a piece of a story, an emotion, or a moment in time. It invites the wearer to connect with personal stories and emotions embedded in the jewellery.

After graduation, he honed his silversmithing skills in Hatton Garden and delved into jewellery history and gemology in Shanghai, exposing himself to diverse cultural interpretations of jewellery craftsmanship. In 2022, Julio founded Aeolus, marking the culmination of his freelance designer/maker career.