Flos
Flos was founded in 1962 when it began producing a number of lamps that were to become classics in Italian industrial design. These first lamps were Arco, Relemme, Toio and Taccia — all designed by Achille and Piergiacomo Castiglioni. As a tangible proof of their timeless design and technical excellence, these lamps continue to be produced today. Indeed, Achille Castiglioni's contribution to Flos has shaped the whole identity of the company.
It also started, though with Cocoon. In 1959 Arturo Eisenkeil from Merano, an importer of cocoon (a spray-on plastic coating produced in the United States) was tracking down possible applications for this new material. He joined forces with Dino Gavina and Cesare Cassina and set up a company to produce lighting fixtures; this marked the beginning of Flos' long-standing association with the Castiglioni brothers and Tobia Scarpa. The first cocoon lamps created were the offspring of this collaboration: Viscontea, Taraxacum and Gatto by the Castiglioni brothers and Fantasma by Scarpa.
In 1974, Flos became the owner of Arteluce — one of the key Italian companies in the industrial design sector. Gino Sarfatti, an industrialist and designer, was the founder of Arteluce. Several models designed by Sarfatti himself have been incorporated into the Flos product range.
From the very outset, Flos' distinguishing feature has been the high quality approach to lamp design and production. Many of the numerous lamps designed for Flos, first by Achille and Piergiacomo Castiglioni, are undoubtedly some of the best-known and most successful products of industrial design. They have won awards and historical-critical accolades, and are included in all the most important collections and design museums around the world. Some significant product examples over the last forty years are: Parentesi (1970), Brera (1992), Fucsia (1996) and the Diabolo (1998). The revolutionary Parentesi by Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzù is a fine thread stretched between floor and ceiling and was awarded the compasso d’Oro in 1979.
Over the years, prominent Italian and international names have designed for Flos and Arteluce. Marc Newson created the Helice aluminum floor lamp (1992). Marc Sadler’s Drop rubber wall lamp was awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1994 — the very same year also awarded to Flos for its activity as a company.
In 1988, Flos began producing Arà, the first Philippe Starck lamp with its characteristic pointed form. This was the beginning of an important working relationship that has lasted ever since. Arà was followed, among others, by the small coloured Miss Sissi (1991) in plastic which turned out to be a cult object and an enormous commercial success. The following years came Rosy Angelis (1994), the Romeo Moon (1996) and Archimoon (1998) series. Throughout the nineties the work of Achille Castiglioni and Philippe Starck has been flanked by a series of products from new and other designers. This reflects Flos' desire to maintain their leadership in innovation; prime examples of this are Jasper Morrison’s Glo-ball series keynoted by a large opaline sphere that can be used with various types of supports and Antonio Citterio’s Lastra ceiling fixture. This lamp combine advanced lighting technology, printed circuitry and single adjustable task lighting with a traditional accent conjured up by the imposing crystal sheet and lamp hanging over the dining table.
Utility has been a Flos dealer since 1999 and is one of the UKs leading independent distributers.
