Stories Behind: Closer

Closer transforms spaces with its gentle presence and warm, intimate light. Designed by Ichiro Iwasaki, its delicate shade is crafted from a finely woven, seamless knit, seemingly inflated into generous, sculptural volumes. Tangible yet lightweight, the luminaire gently envelops light and air to create a subtle, inviting atmosphere that feels equally comforting indoors and out.

“I imagined a light with a light, airy presence, something gentle and generous that naturally blends into moments of relaxation.”

When Iwasaki first handled a sample of the material that would later be used to form the shade, it became clear to him that, if developed at a larger scale, the fabric’s unique qualities could be harnessed to create an outdoor light unlike anything he had seen before.

The knitted material — firm yet flexible — became the starting point for the design. It offers a gentle elasticity, yielding softly to the touch and yet easily returning to its original shape. This resilience makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

“By combining spinning technology with the human touch, we were able to create a structure with a sense of lightness that feels almost like it is wrapped in air — something entirely new.”

Iwasaki‘s designs are characterised by a timeless aesthetic based on clean lines and refined proportions. Closer is another example of this approach. Each shade is individually handcrafted, woven with precision to ensure a consistent texture and an essential, flawless silhouette.

“The finely knitted shade is self – supporting, a quality that was achieved through a series of new approaches, from maintaining the shape of the shade to the forming process itself.”

Closer is particularly innovative in that there is no rigid structure to support the shade. Its curved volume is self – supporting, a concept developed through intensive experimentation in pursuit of simplicity and visual lightness. Integrated into the upper part of the shade, the light source remains contained and unobtrusive.

“Closer gently envelops air and light, creating a soft and subtly translucent glow. You can really feel that quality of light.”

Without an internal frame the translucent fabric defines the luminaire’s presence, gently filtering the light to create a subtle, shimmering effect. The textile volumes appear to float, softly inflated with warm, diffused light, while casting a gentle halo below.

“Light influences people’s mood and sense of comfort more than we might expect. That’s why I consider not only the night, but also morning light, daylight, and even how the piece appears when switched off.”

Closer provides visual and tactile depth, even when unlit. Designers can choose from three different shades, each with distinct proportions. A range of elegant hues — terracotta, beige, and green — introduce subtle nuances to the light, while a black perimeter trim reinforces the definition of each volume.

“Rather than a specific space, I would like Closer to be used in any place or moment where people want to relax, always close at hand.”

Iwasaki‘s design philosophy blends simplicity, functionality and emotion. He believes that good design should be intuitive, enhance the user experience, and blend seamlessly into people’s everyday lives. Closer’s versatile presence resonates in any setting , residential or commercial, adapting to different moments of the day and to varying light conditions.

“I design while imagining different scenes and sensations, aiming to create a light that feels comfortable and can shape the atmosphere both indoors and outdoors.”

Conceived to deliver the comfort of indoor lighting outdoors, the floor and table versions are portable, cordless, and inductively rechargeable via a sleek base. Thanks to the delicacy of its lines and the versatility of its various versions and finishes, the collection integrates effortlessly into terraces, living rooms, gardens, and bedrooms, enhancing the quality of each moment.

“There are few products that touch our emotions as directly and transform a space so instantly as lighting does.”

Light accompanies the passage of time, influencing mood and shaping our emotions. Based on this concept, Closer is conceived not just as a luminaire, but as an experience – a comforting presence that enriches everyday living. It offers a balanced and gentle atmosphere across contexts, moving fluidly between interior and exterior spaces, and adapting with ease to different moments throughout the day.

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Stories Behind: Closer

“I imagined a light with a light, airy presence, something gentle and generous that naturally blends into moments of relaxation.”

“By combining spinning technology with the human touch, we were able to create a structure with a sense of lightness that feels almost like it is wrapped in air — something entirely new.”

“The finely knitted shade is self – supporting, a quality that was achieved through a series of new approaches, from maintaining the shape of the shade to the forming process itself.”

“Closer gently envelops air and light, creating a soft and subtly translucent glow. You can really feel that quality of light.”

“Light influences people’s mood and sense of comfort more than we might expect. That’s why I consider not only the night, but also morning light, daylight, and even how the piece appears when switched off.”

“Rather than a specific space, I would like Closer to be used in any place or moment where people want to relax, always close at hand.”

“I design while imagining different scenes and sensations, aiming to create a light that feels comfortable and can shape the atmosphere both indoors and outdoors.”

“There are few products that touch our emotions as directly and transform a space so instantly as lighting does.”

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