Welcome to an exclusive interview with Massimiliano Tosetto, the General Manager of Lodes—a distinguished Venetian company that has been a beacon in the world of lighting since its founding in 1950. Combining contemporary design with cutting-edge technology, Lodes has evolved into a global powerhouse, active in 90 markets worldwide and recognized as one of Europe’s foremost designers and manufacturers of decorative lighting.
In this exclusive conversation, we delve into the captivating world of lighting design with the recently unveiled Diesel Living with Lodes collection. Boasting exclusive innovations like Magic Mushroom and U.F.O., alongside renewed best sellers, this collection is a testament to the versatile fusion of Diesel Living’s unmistakable language with Lodes’ commitment to innovation.
Explore how this collaboration breathes new life into residential and public interior spaces, blending dynamic and contemporary forms with Diesel’s irreverent and ironic spirit. Join us for an insightful conversation on the evolution of this unique lighting collection that transcends boundaries and redefines the intersection of design, utility, and rebellion.
Lodes has a rich history that spans three generations and began with the art of Murano glass lamps. How has the company’s journey from artistic glass to contemporary design influenced your vision for Lodes today, especially in the context of leveraging technological advancements to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your products?
It was a long journey; we worked a lot to grow in terms of business, the company faced new challenges: probably one of the most relevant milestones was the rebranding. Lodes completed a rebrand process in June 2020 — on the occasion of its 70th anniversary — which culminated with the unveiling of the new logo and brand identity. Since then, as part of a strategic vision, Lodes has been heralding a new era of contemporary design celebrating the company’s manufacturing know-how and high- quality and the essence of Italian design. For our family, light is a 70-year heritage.
How does Lodes approach the selection of materials and processing techniques to ensure the highest quality in your lighting products, and what role does this play in your design philosophy?
Lodes’ heritage merges with Diesel’s style, resulting in unique finishes that combine materiality and creativity, whether through irregular fabrics or the use of glass.
The U.F.O. pendant light offers various finishes and size options. Can you share how customization plays a role in Lodes’ approach to serving both residential and public settings?
U.F.O.’s versatility makes it an ideal lamp for both residential settings and public spaces associated with the world of hospitality and food & beverage. The ‘unidentified flying object’ can be placed above a table and, thanks to its minimalist design, can stand alone or be combined with multiple lamps, for example in a restaurant, it becomes the perfect lighting solution to illuminate the surrounding space.
The Magic Mushroom lamp creates an optical effect that simulates water reflections. How does this feature enhance the ambiance and utility of this unique piece, and what environments is it best suited for?
The contemporary, blown glass diffuser adds a touch of craft to the Diesel Living with Lodes collection. Thanks to its unexpected surface and clever light projection, Magic Mushroom suits domestic environments, for instance next to a sofa in a living room or on a bedside table, as well as in public settings such as in a hotel lounge.
With the recent additions to the Diesel Living with Lodes line, how does Lodes envision its contribution to the architectural and interior design, and what exciting projects or collaborations can we anticipate in the near future?
The Diesel Living collection represents a distinct interpretation of the brand’s lifestyle and design philosophy. Diesel Living with Lodes presents a versatile collection of furnishing lamps that blend functionality, style and Diesel’s creative vision. The Diesel Living with Lodes catalogue showcases the fusion of two diverse worlds that engage in dialogue, creating a distinctive and unique language. We will keep working on projects that meet the vision of Diesel according to Lodes’ heritage in terms of technological know-how.