Flos

Flos is an internationally renowned Italian company specializing in lighting design and manufacturing. Here's a breakdown of what makes Flos notable:

History and Design Philosophy

• Founded: Flos was founded in Merano, Italy, in 1962 by Dino Gavina and Cesare Cassina. The name "Flos" is the Latin word for "flower," chosen by designer Pier Giacomo Castiglion
• Early Innovations: The company's origins are tied to a material called "cocoon," a plastic resin sprayed over a wireframe. This technique, originally used for military packaging, was creatively applied to lighting, leading to some of Flos's first iconic products like the Taraxacum and Gatto lamps.
• Pioneering Design: Flos quickly established itself as a leader in avant-garde lighting. It has a long history of collaborating with some of the world's most celebrated designers, including Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Tobia Scarpa, Philippe Starck, Jasper Morrison, Patricia Urquiola, and Michael Anastassiades.
• Recognized Excellence: The company's products are celebrated for their innovative design, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Many of their creations are featured in the permanent collections of major museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

Iconic Products

Flos is known for creating some of the most recognizable and influential lighting designs of the 20th and 21st centuries. Some of their most famous products include:

• Arco Lamp (1962): A floor lamp designed by the Castiglioni brothers that uses a solid marble base and a sweeping stainless steel arc to provide overhead light without a ceiling installation.
• Snoopy Lamp (1967): A playful and distinctive table lamp by the Castiglioni brothers, named for its resemblance to the cartoon character Snoopy.
• Parentesi Lamp (1971): A unique design by Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzù that features a simple bulb that moves vertically along a suspended steel cable.
• Glo-Ball Series (1998): Designed by Jasper Morrison, this series of lamps is known for its simple, spherical design that replicates the soft glow of a full moon.
• 2097 Chandelier: Originally designed by Gino Sarfatti, this modern chandelier reinterprets a classic form with exposed wiring as a decorative element.

Diverse Product Lines

Flos's offerings extend beyond residential lighting. The company has diversified its portfolio to include:

• Flos Architectural: Specializing in technical and custom lighting for commercial spaces and large-scale projects.
• Flos Outdoor: Creating lighting solutions for exterior environments.

In summary, Flos is a powerhouse in the world of designer lighting, celebrated for its rich history of collaboration with top designers, its commitment to innovation, and a catalog of timeless and iconic products.