Nothing impacts our emotive response to a space more than lighting. It plays on our moods with colour, technology and, of course, the actual design of the lighting piece itself. We are all in love with the established labels such as Lasvit and Preciosa among others.
Following is my edit of the new names in the lighting world who are well on their way to becoming industry legends. And, the best part is you don’t have to travel the world to source them. Come October these labels will be showcased at Downtown Design 2015 in Dubai.
Borokis
The Czech lighting master steps away from the typical use of the handblown Bohemian glass, giving it a very chic edge with its play on shape and volume of the lighting fixture. Add to that their knack at mixing materials — such as wood and metal — and the label is revitalising the lighting industry as well as the Bohemian glass world. By continuously investing in research into new manufacturing technologies and new talents, it keeps the brand fresh and evocative. www.brokis.cz
Nanoleaf
The Nanoleaf bulb promises to shine bright for 27 years. Although it looks like a crafts project but within lies the Nanoleaf bulb’s cool factor. Unlike other LED bulbs, this one casts light in all directions — thanks to the strategic placement of individual LED light sources along the contours of the familiar bulb. At approximately Dh130 apiece, it is not only energy-efficient but a great value for money as well. www.nanoleaf.me
Benwu Studio
With expertise in luxury lighting, product and furniture, Chinese designers Hongchao Wang and Peng You established the studio in New York City in 2011. Their products offer a fresh, playful attitude and the “Square the Circle” lamp follows in the same tradition. Designed as a wall-mounted lighting piece, it provides the options for moody illumination as well as USB charging ports. In short, it is a complete lifestyle hub. www.benwustudio.com
Ben Tovim Design
Founded by Jonathan Ben-Tovim in 2011 in Melbourne, every lighting product from the studio is the end sum of the detailed research into modern technology and the finest of naturally available materials. Each light piece is assembled by hand, punctuated by the designer’s love for exploring new technologies such as 3D printing joints for the “Rough Diamond Pendant” range or exciting new materials such as laminated bamboo ply. www.b-td.com
SAAS
Coming from Helsinki, the label has a very distinct view on lighting and how it enhances everyday living. It’s this kind of experience that has helped the Finnish brand evolve into one of the world’s leading experts in innovative and high-quality lighting. Manufacturing its own hi-tech, high precision lighting, SAAS offers lighting fixtures, LED lighting kits and tailor-made solutions for all types of projects to end consumers and professionals seeking extraordinary lighting for a wide range of environments. www.saas.fi
Hello Lumio
Founded by the San Francisco-based architect Max Gunawan, the brand’s ethos centres around creating stunning light pieces that optimise the use of small spaces and energy consumption. The “Lumio Light” takes after the familiar shape of a notebook that can be opened to reveal a light accordion of sorts that allows the users the flexibility to carry it anywhere and endlessly adapt its shape to meet their changing needs. www.hellolumio.com
— Pratyush Sarup edits the design site designcarrot.net. You can follow the site on twitter @DesignCarrot.
