With the start of a new year, we reflect on the memories and accomplishments of the past 365 days. At Luminaire, 2016 was characterized by its stimulating design lectures, exhibitions, events, partnerships, and fundraisers. Through this dynamic series of educational programming, we transmitted our passion for good design. With the new year upon us, we look forward to continuing to make good design a way of life.
In early 2016, we had the pleasure of welcoming the minimalist Italian lighting maestro, Davide Groppi for an inspiring Designlives lecture at Luminaire Lab about his design philosophy. We learned that his lighting pieces not only illuminate but also tell stories, draw metaphors to art history and build the theater of our lives.
The grand dame of architecture Zaha Hadid passed away Thursday, March 31, 2016. In honor of her incredible achievements, we presented a special exhibition titled WOMEN IN DESIGN with some of her creations from our collection such as the Moon sofa and the Aqua table that silently speak of her mastery. Alongside her pieces, we displayed limited editions of Lina Bo Bardi’s Bowl chair by Arper – an extraordinary creative collaboration that interpreted a unique project from the past. The exhibition commemorated two prolific women in architecture and design with a presentation of some of their works. Unlike many conventional designers, both Hadid and Bo Bardi felt architecture should not just be a formal and visual expression, but also a place for the staging of life. A spirit of experimentation transcended the boundaries of their practice.
Continuing our WOMEN IN DESIGN series in Chicago, we had the pleasure of welcoming Moroso’s Creative Director Patrizia Moroso to an intimate conversation with the renowned Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola for the second edition of our WOMEN IN DESIGN series. Having both climbed the highest ranks of a typically male dominated world, these design visionaries share a deep and personal relationship that was evident in their special chemistry. The conversation flowed with palpable rapport between the two female design powerhouses focusing on Patrizia’s keen interest in working with designers she loves, leading to fruitful collaborations with key designers such as Patricia Urquiola that create iconic pieces that speak to the heart.
In September, we had the honor of celebrating the 50th anniversary of B&B Italia with a private documentary screening of the film “B&B Italia. Poetry in the Shape. When Design Meets Industry” that told the personal story and entrepreneurial journey of its founder, Piero Ambrogio Busnelli, at the Coral Gables Art Cinema followed by a reception and presentation of a special B&B Italia 50th anniversary book at Luminaire Coral Gables. Over 200 guests including prominent architects, designers, and beloved clients attended the event. Giorgio Busnelli, CEO of B&B Italia, was present and gave an enlightening introduction.
Later in the fall, we hosted ICFF Miami’s inaugural show’s opening reception at our Miami Design District showroom. ICFF is North America’s largest and most prestigious design fair for interiors. We were honored to celebrate their first Miami edition at Luminaire Lab.
Meanwhile in Chicago, in partnership with B&B Italia, we celebrated contemporary Italian design by welcoming the multi-disciplinary designer, architect, and artist Gaetano Pesce to a private meet & greet at Luminaire Chicago followed by a lecture at 6 PM at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A unique opportunity to meet the icon and commemorate his incredible design trajectory.
By the end of year during Miami Art Week in December, design aficionados gathered at Luminaire Lab to celebrate diversity at the opening reception of Evergreen Brasil, a special collaborative exhibition between Casa Vogue Brasil and Luminaire Lab that featured a curated selection of multidisciplinary design including furniture, accessories and jewelry from both emerging and established Brazilian designers. More than 500 guests gathered to recognize Brazilian’s vibrant and expressive design identity. The exhibit featured works by Brazilian design masters Jorge Zalszupin, Fernando and Humberto Campana, Claudia Moreira Salles and others.
The pinnacle of our initiatives was undoubtedly GlasLove, the fourth iteration of our love fundraising initiative to raise funds for cancer research. Driven by Nasir and Nargis Kassamali, Luminaire’s founders, desire to give back and help find a cure for cancer, Luminaire hosted the fourth edition of the LOVE philanthropic auction series, GlasLove — an innovative online design auction featuring limited-edition, unique, and/or prototype glass design pieces from renowned designers such as Nendo, Fernando and Humberto Campana, Tord Boontje, Nao Tamura, and more.
This year’s design auction coincided with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and reinforced the multiple roles design can play as a problem-solving endeavor. Phillips, the international auction house, partnered with Luminaire to sponsor and conduct the online to benefit research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami. We continued our GlasLove fundraiser with a temporary installation and sale in the Miami Design District during Art Basel in Miami Beach.
As we reminisce about our 2016 achievements, we give thanks to all who are part of our design driven community and reaffirm that good design does start with good collaboration.
January 2017
