The History and Mission of Castiglioni Flos
Castiglioni Flos is a leading Italian lighting brand that has become a household name in the world of design. Founded in 1962 by the Castiglioni brothers, Achille and Pier Giacomo, alongside Dino Gavina, the company’s focus was to produce innovative lighting solutions that were both functional and beautiful. They believed that light is just as important as the object it illuminates and that lighting design should never take the backstage in the overall look and feel of a space.
Castiglioni Flos has collaborated with some of the most renowned designers in the world, including Philippe Starck, Jasper Morrison, and Ron Gilad, among others. The brand’s mission remains the same today as it was when it was founded, to create lighting solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
The Timeless Designs of the Castiglioni Brothers
The Castiglioni brothers were known for their mix of humor, wit, and practicality in their designs. Their work often featured unexpected materials and innovative applications of technology. One of their most iconic designs is the Arco Lamp, which has been in production since 1962, and is still highly popular today. The Arco Lamp features a stainless steel arc that suspends a large shade, allowing the light to be positioned over a piece of furniture or a room without the need for a ceiling fixture. The brothers used the iconic Italian marble Carrara in the base for added durability and style.
Another timeless design by the Castiglioni brothers is the Taraxacum 88 Chandelier, which features an intricate arrangement of 60 transparent Lucite globes. The chandelier provides a warm and comforting glow to any space it is placed in. Both of these designs have stood the test of time and remain popular today, over five decades after their creation.
Collaborations with Contemporary Designers
Castiglioni Flos has always been at the forefront of lighting design, collaborating with contemporary designers to create new and exciting lighting solutions. In 1998, the brand teamed up with Philippe Starck to produce the Gun Lamp, a floor lamp shaped like a rifle. The lamp was designed as a statement piece that would bring attention to the issue of gun violence in America. The gun-shaped lamp was met with both criticism and admiration, but regardless of opinions, it became an instant design classic.
Another notable collaboration is the Bon Jour Versailles Lamp, designed by French designer Philippe Starck in 2017. The Bon Jour series is a collection of lamps that feature a transparent shade that is suspended over a sleek base. The Versailles Lamp has a shade made of pleated fabric that gives the lamp a soft and elegant look. The Bon Jour Versailles Lamp is just one example of how Castiglioni Flos is continuing their tradition of producing functional and aesthetically pleasing lighting designs.
The Future of Castiglioni Flos
Castiglioni Flos continues to push the boundaries of lighting design, producing innovative and exciting products that are always a step ahead. The brand’s commitment to creating functional lighting solutions that are aesthetically pleasing is what sets them apart from other lighting brands. With collaborations with contemporary designers, company-owned flagship stores around the world, and a dedication to excellence, Castiglioni Flos is poised to further cement itself as one of the leading lighting brands for years to come.
The legacy of the Castiglioni brothers lives on through the company they founded with Dino Gavina over five decades ago. Castiglioni Flos remains a leader in the world of lighting design, producing innovative and aesthetically pleasing products that are always ahead of the curve. From the timeless designs of the Castiglioni brothers to their collaborations with contemporary designers, the brand continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in lighting design.