atelier oï and A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE sculpt lamps from wire and pleated cloth

At the 3daysofdesign event in Copenhagen, atelier oï and A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE unveiled a series of sculptural lamps crafted from pleated textile and wire, marking their first presentation at this annual design festival. The lamps combine textile engineering with innovative form, demonstrating a cross-disciplinary approach that extends fashion techniques into lighting and furniture design.

The new collection, part of the O Series, was developed through the TYPE-XIII atelier oï project, emphasizing the use of simple elements—cloth and wire—to create versatile, sculptural lighting objects. The lamps feature removable textile shades made using the Steam Stretch process, a technique originally developed for clothing that allows fabric to contract into three-dimensional shapes.

Each lamp is built around an oval wire frame designed by atelier oï, which extends the idea of a piece of cloth into a three-dimensional object. The textile shades are woven with patterns inspired by natural surfaces like wood and stone, translating textures into woven fabrics that influence how light filters through. The collection was developed in collaboration with Japanese portable lighting manufacturer Ambientec, enabling adjustable light levels suitable for various interior settings.

Visitors to the exhibition could handle the lamps, observing how different materials and textures affect the atmosphere, highlighting the tactile and adaptable nature of the design. The lamps’ sculptural presence, even when unlit, emphasizes their role as artful objects that blur the line between fashion, furniture, and lighting.

Innovative Cross-Disciplinary Material Use in Lighting

This project demonstrates how textile techniques from fashion can be adapted for lighting and furniture, broadening material possibilities across design disciplines. It reflects a growing trend of integrating fashion technology into everyday objects, emphasizing versatility, tactile appeal, and material innovation. The approach challenges traditional boundaries, encouraging a rethinking of how textiles and structural elements can create sculptural, functional objects that adapt to different environments.

From Fashion Fabric to Lighting Sculptures

The collaboration builds on decades of experimentation by Issey Miyake’s studio with fabric engineering, notably the Steam Stretch process, which turns textiles into three-dimensional forms. Atelier oï is recognized for its work spanning architecture and product design, often exploring the relationship between structure and material. Their joint effort extends these explorations into lighting, inspired by the A-POC philosophy of transforming continuous textiles into multiple forms. The debut at 3daysofdesign situates this project within a broader movement of fashion brands engaging more deeply with interior and lighting design, moving beyond clothing into spatial objects.

“The lamps exemplify how textile techniques can be reimagined as sculptural lighting objects, bridging fashion and interior design.”

— an anonymous researcher

Unconfirmed Details About Production and Future Releases

It is not yet clear whether the lamps will be produced for commercial sale or remain a limited exhibition piece. Details about potential future collections or broader application of the textile techniques in other lighting or furniture products are still emerging. Additionally, the extent to which these designs will influence mainstream lighting design remains uncertain.

Next Steps for the Collaboration and Broader Application

Further exhibitions or product launches are expected to explore the scalability of these textile-based lamps. The collaboration may inspire additional projects combining textile engineering with lighting and furniture design, potentially leading to commercial production. Industry observers will watch for developments that translate these experimental concepts into accessible, mass-market objects.

Key Questions

Are these lamps available for purchase?

It has not been confirmed whether the lamps will be available commercially. Currently, they are part of an exhibition at 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen.

What materials are used in the lamps?

The lamps feature pleated textile made using the Steam Stretch process, combined with wire frames designed by atelier oï. The textiles are woven to resemble natural surfaces like wood and stone.

Can the textile shades be exchanged or customized?

Yes, the textile shades are removable and can be exchanged, allowing customization based on the setting or aesthetic preference.

How does the lighting adjust?

The lamps have adjustable light settings across four levels, ranging from warm incandescent tones to brighter daylight white, for versatile use.

Will this project influence future lighting designs?

While it is still early, the innovative use of textile techniques suggests potential for broader influence in lighting and furniture design, especially in blending fashion technology with spatial objects.

Source: designboom