The right lighting can transform a space in an instant. This season, ICON team’s curated selection of lighting picks does exactly that, spotlighting pieces that are functional and elegant, from sculptural statement lamps to subtle pendants
Imagery courtesy of Ago
1. The Raw Edition by Ago
Celebrating five years since its inception, the Korean lighting studio Ago has launched new iterations of four of its designs in a ‘raw’ brushed metal finish. Highlighting the beauty of the material and its application to these contemporary, playful silhouettes, the studio hopes to showcase the craft behind each creation. ‘Since we launched our brand and its first collection five years ago, we have exhibited all over the world and have been able to stand out thanks to the design and quality of our products,’ says Mars Yoo, the studio’s Creative Director. ‘In releasing this raw metal version of our collections, we hope to further reveal the sophisticated manufacturing processes behind them.’
The raw metal finish brings a refined edge to the designs, elevating them to be styled within both classic and contemporary interior schemes. ‘Our biggest achievement is that we have built an audience that is willing to listen to our voice and to follow us,’ Yoo continues. ‘However, we are an emerging brand and therefore will continue to expand our product range allowing customers to apply our work within their spaces going forward.’
The raw metal finish is available on four iterations of the Probe, Cirkus, Balloon and Alley collections but will only be available for a limited period. We love the juxtaposition of the material’s rigidity and its application to soft, curvaceous forms as shown on the Balloon pendant.
Photography courtesy of Audo Copenhagen
2. Hashira by Audo Copenhagen
Audo Copenhagen has expanded its celebrated Hashira Collection, designed by Norm Architects, with two striking new lighting designs. Inspired by the art of Japanese Washi paper-making, the collection seamlessly blends cultural heritage with Scandinavian minimalism.
Perfect for dining tables, the lamp features a horizontal shape and a linen shade, its dimmable LED casts a warm, inviting glow – ideal for task lighting or to create a relaxed atmosphere in homes. Diffusing ambient light gently while allowing users to customise bulb options for desired intensity and warmth, the collection now encompasses pendant, table, floor, portable and ceiling lamps.
Photography by Alecio Ferrari
3. Snoopy by Flos
When it comes to mid-century modern design, few objects capture joy and function as effortlessly as Snoopy. First created in 1967 by the Castiglioni brothers, Achille and Pier Giacomo, the lamp is a masterclass in design. Drawing inspiration from the much-loved dog of Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip, the brothers created a design that is as functional as it is fun. With its rounded form, a cylindrical base made from white Carrara marble and a glossy aluminium shade, Snoopy embodies both a sense of levity and timelessness.
Over the decades, Italian lighting powerhouse Flos has honoured this legacy. While the original black shade remains a classic, Flos has introduced new iterations over the years, including carefully selected shades like orange, green and, most recently, navy blue. To achieve this, Flos looked to the Castiglioni’s boldly coloured, cult favourite Schuko lamp, created in 1966, and selected the hues with an almost archival reverence.
Snoopy’s impact extends beyond its initial release. It has graced various exhibitions and is now displayed in the permanent collections of the world’s most prestigious museums, including MoMA in New York City. Far more than a nostalgic nod to a cartoon, Snoopy is a piece that shows why great design needn’t take itself too seriously.
Photography courtesy of Gubi
4. Multi-Lite Portable Lamp by Gubi
A Louis Weisdorf design icon continues to evolve with the introduction of the new Multi-Lite Portable Lamp by Gubi. Originally conceived during the “Golden Age” of Danish design in 1972 by Weisdorf, a Danish architect and industrial designer, the enduring piece now offers greater versatility, blending contemporary design features with the timeless elegance of its original form.
Lightweight and fitted with modern features like a touch-activated dimmer and USB-C charging, the revived lamp is effortlessly portable, while the restored high-gloss finish recalls the lamp’s original aesthetic.
The charging time is six hours for a full charge, providing six and a half hours of light at full brightness, and three hours to reach 80% capacity.
Available in four considered colourways, including Pale Lilac, Teal Green, Pastel Grey and Black Brass, which promise to stand the test of time, the Multi-Lite Portable Lamp is poised to enhance any space, indoors or out.
Get a curated collection of design and architecture news in your inbox by signing up to our ICON Weekly newsletter
