From Davide Groppi’s inimitable Moon pendant to the fluid suspension light Aria, designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid for Slamp, these brands – all of which are on display at the ESS showroom extension – have created bold light fixtures that form an intrinsic part of the spaces they occupy.
Design Dispatch and ESS have shortlisted 10 iconic designs that deliver on design, style and, of course, illumination.
Taraxacum by Flos
Achille Castiglioni reimagined a classic chandelier for modern dwellings with Taraxacum, which uses multiple bulbs to create a single, decorative light source. The suspension fixture by Flos provides direct and reflected lighting through a stunning structure composed of pressed and polished aluminium triangles.
Tolomeo by Artemide
The archetypal Tolomeo spring lamp, which was intended to meet the need for directional light, is as classic as they come. Designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina in 1987 for Artemide, it has become an icon of Italian design, and a symbol of how functionality and aesthetics can work together successfully.
Moon Pendant by Davide Groppi
“It’s magic. And like all good magic, it works every time,” says Davide Groppi of his Moon pendant, which he designed in 2005, inspired by his dream to bring the moon inside living spaces. The lamp’s surface is coated with a hand-made Japanese paper that overlaps to give each lamp a unique texture that resembles its namesake, while simultaneously casting a soft and atmospheric glow.
Spokes by Foscarini
Studio Garcia Cumini sought to create a weightless light source that filters from the inside out with Spokes, “projecting a kaleidoscope of blocks and voids”. Recalling the shape of a lantern, this suspension light by Foscarini is made from varnished steel and aluminium, and is available in a variety of neutral colours.
Rain by Lodes
Designer Andrea Tosetto sought to interpret the movement of rain drops with this elegant suspension lamp, which he created in 2015 for Lodes. With its simple and linear design, Rain can be used singularly to create a specific light source, for instance above an island or bedside table, or installed as a cluster with up to 36 elements to create a spectacular composition.
Aria by Slamp
The fluid and dynamic Aria by Slamp, by famed architect Zaha Hadid, is a reflection of her iconic design language, characterised by flowing forms and innovative compositions. With Aria, 50 differently-shaped ‘arms’ revolve around a single light source, radiating through either of its three colour options – metallised gold, a transparent polycarbonate version, and black. Equally spectacular is the Aria Infinita, a special edition that marks 10 years of Slamp’s collaboration with Hadid Design Studio.
Louis Philippe by Roger Pradier
With a company heritage that dates back to the start of the 20th century, Roger Pradier is a hallmark of French design and quality outdoor luminaries. Among its classic lantern designs is Louis Philippe, a wall light made with varnished aluminium, but also available in a clear varnished brass, copper or raw zinc which evolves with natural weathering. The model comes in 29 colours, as well as a non-corrosion guarantee of 25 years – an assurance that the company started offering in 1980.
Morgana by Ole!
Inspired by the legends of King Arthur and the witch named Morgana who had the power to alter her shape, this lamp by Ole! can shift its shape by sliding the rings vertically, giving its user the ability to experiment with volumes. Measuring 100cm or 200cm long, Morgana is a configurable lamp, which forms part of the brand’s sustainable collection that uses hand-braided cord made from recycled plastic bottles.
Essenza by Icone Luce
Suitable as a wall or ceiling light, Essenza by Icone Luce is a piece of wall art in its own right. A round reflective aluminium disc is attached with two metal strips, both of which are fitted with LEDs that emit light onto the disk and reflect it back into the room. The disc and metal rods are available in a variety of finishes and combinations of black, white, gold and silver, as well as light intensity.
Poe by Linea Light
With its ultra-thin vertical stem and minimal suspension, Poe by Linea Light is a specific and precise floor, pendant and wall lamp (the latter being available on display), that provides light exactly where it’s needed. Produced in black, white and copper, the Poe range is an essential addition to any living space, and while its sleek appearance makes it discreet, it packs a pretty bright punch.
