Marcel Wanders, born in the Netherlands, has become famous for his fabulous creations in design.  One of my favourite pieces is the Skygarden Suspension Lamp.  It looks like a boring, plain, semi-spherical lamp from a distance, but if you have a chance – look up inside!

Inspired by an antique plaster ceiling in a former home, Wanders captured the essence of classical plaster design inside a modern, sleek exterior.

The Skygarden comes in two sizes; the S1 (w60cm  x h30cm), or the S2 (w90cm  x h45cm).  It is also available in 4 colours: Rust, Gold, White and Black.

Marcel designed the lamp for Flos, who still carries the lamp today.

Like Marcel Duchamp, the Castiglioni brothers used ready-made objects to create whimsical, strange and beautiful objects.  Luminator by Flos,  is magnificent.

Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni 1954

  It is industrial and sparse,  delicate and insect like (praying mantas).  Like sculpture, it provoke a response from the viewer.  It refuses to  sit quietly.  Italian mid-century design  seems to have a passion, or an enthusiasm, that life, and design, is best lived LARGE, and with a sense of humour.  NO HOLDS BARRED.

Why hide the little miracle that makes it all happen?  Props out to those designers who bare all and assert the thing for what it is – a light bulb in a fancy vehicle… or best yet: not so fancy.  Bare bulbs are honest, straight up, industrial, and georgous! … so long as they don’t leave a million blind spots in your vision.  Here are some of my faves:

Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Toio Floor Lamp, 1962 by Flos

Archille Castiglioni and Pio Manzu', Parentesi Suspension, 1970 by Flos

Jean Prouve Potence Lamp, 1950 by Vitra

Ernesto Gismondi Miconos Table lamp, by Artemide

Achille Castiglioni Taraxacum 88 S Suspension, 1988, by Flos

Achille and Pier Ciacomo Castiglioni, Luminator 1954, by Flos

I have read so many comments online regarding, Marcel Wanders Zeppelin suspension lamp designed in 2005 which are incredibly negative. Why all the hate? This piece should be appreciated for it’s unique transparent texture and amazing diffused light. The transparent polymethylmethacrylate “candles” & faceted crystal globe provide a “sparkle effect” and play of light and shadow that I think is amazing.

So, my opinion is to keep an open mind – don’t be scared of creepy crawly things they may have inspired and influenced a designer to create something seriously uber interesting.