Design classic: Skygarden pendant

Designer

Marcel Wanders, 2007.

Details

Aluminium shade with plaster diffuser, available in Glossy Black, Glossy White, Matt Gold and Matt Rusty Brown finishes, from £2,385, Flos at Clippings.com.

Background

‘In a former home of mine, I had a fabulous decorated plaster ceiling,’ Marcel Wanders explains. ‘I called itmy Skygarden, as it always looked good even without me having green fingers, or taking care of it. I loved it so much that by the time I moved house, I couldn’t bear to leave it behind – I had to finda way to take it with me.’

His loss has been the design world’s gain as Wanders, never one to abide by the rules, played with preconceived notions of what a lamp shade should be by designing a pendant with its elaborate decoration on the inside. Its glossy exterior has a sleek, modern look, while hidden beneath is ornate plasterwork more usually seen in majestic period interiors.

Now we can all enjoy a piece of classic architecture without ever leaving our seats – just by glancing up. Needless to say, it’s alsoa perfect piece of contemporary craft, with its glow diffusing downwards in a lovely pool of light. Wander-ful...

See more design classics here.

Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites

A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written  for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.