Exploring the Confluence of Fashion, Furniture, and Lighting

How do fashion design and jewelry design influence your lighting fixture designs?

Similar to the enduring styles of CHANEL, DIOR, and Hermes, my approach to lighting and furniture design emphasizes a commitment to timeless elegance. At Gabriel Scott, our pieces exude a classic aesthetic that transcends fleeting trends. Much like a vintage Chanel garment remains effortlessly chic decades later, our designs boast longevity and relevance in contemporary settings. Drawing inspiration from the bold glamour of Lanvin's jewelry collection, we infuse our creations with a sense of sophistication and proportion reminiscent of the iconic fashion house.

Clients choose Gabriel Scott for furnishings and lighting that not only enhance their spaces with contemporary allure but also promise enduring quality for generations to come. In the realm of furnishings, the visionary designs of Gio Ponti serve as a constant source of inspiration, guiding our pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship and innovation.

Since you previously designed human-scale jewelry, can you elaborate on how you view decorative lighting fixtures as large-scale pieces of jewelry?

At Gabriel Scott, our lighting fixtures are akin to striking pieces of jewelry, embodying the belief that lighting serves as the adornment of any space. I love to look at jewelry lines like Pomellato, Cartier and De Beers for lighting inspiration. For instance, the Harlow series was sparked by a discontinued Cartier ring—a mesmerizing arrangement of cold, exploding spheres. This marriage of jewelry aesthetics with lighting functionality is a testament to our commitment to creating pieces that are not only visually stunning but also imbued with a sense of narrative and intrigue.

Drawing from my background in jewelry design and fashion, our design philosophy revolves around this mantra. My experience in crafting both macro and micro-scale designs was honed during my time at Jennifer Scott - the first brand I formed, where I specialized in creating jewelry from semi-precious stones. I developed my design skills learning from the best artisans in Italy.

Why are hand-made lighting fixtures important to the Gabriel Scott brand?

Craftsmanship lies at the heart of the Gabriel Scott brand, where each handmade light is not just a mere fixture but a cherished piece of artistry. Infused with a profound sense of quality and intricate detail, our artisans, employing time-honored techniques, devote weeks and days to meticulously craft each piece by hand.

Attention to detail is paramount in our process. From the precise metal clasps to the intricate prong connections and bracket detailing, our craftsmen ensure that every aspect of a lighting fixture is meticulously crafted to perfection. Each component harmonizes seamlessly to create a finished product that exudes unparalleled beauty and sophistication.

Additionally, by making lighting fixtures by hand means we have total creative control over the production process which makes customisation very simple for us. Whether we’re adapting our standard collection or designing fully bespoke products, customisation is integral to Gabriel Scott’s brand identity.

Please elaborate on the hand-making processes or materials explored in your designs.

Gabriel Scott offers studio signature finishes that resonate strongly with our high-end clientele. These signature finishes encompass a range of luxurious elements, including warm metal tones, glass textures and colors, sleek steel, opulent marble, and sumptuous vegan leather. Furthermore, we've noted a growing demand in recent years for porcelain lighting, so we’ve recently introduced this into our collection.

We collaborate closely with a carefully chosen group of glass suppliers and artisans at every stage of designing and crafting our glass gems. Utilizing glass-blowing artisans holds paramount significance for us as it ensures the creation of truly distinctive pieces, particularly when it comes to exploring various glass textures. Moreover, relying on these artisans guarantees that each piece is crafted with the utmost precision and quality. Their involvement is invaluable to our process; we frequently challenge our suppliers to push the boundaries of production, resulting in the emergence of exceptionally unique pieces.

Is there a particular fixture design you are most proud of? Why?

Singling out a favorite collection from Gabriel Scott is a challenge in itself, as I hold deep admiration for all our lighting and furniture designs. However, if pressed, I must express a particular pride in the Welles Collection, which stands as one of the most iconic offerings from our brand.

The Welles design embodies a sense of ethereal beauty. Like a captivating floating cloud, the Welles chandelier is formed of geometric and multifaceted shapes. Soft, frosted glass or sleek steel finishes delicately ensconced within satin metallic prongs creates a mesmerizing interplay of light and form, casting an enchanting ambiance in any space.

Our commitment to innovation led us to expand the Welles Collection with the groundbreaking Welles Reimagined project to celebrate Gabriel Scott’s tenth anniversary. Collaborating with six esteemed global interior designers—including David Rockwell, Kelly Hoppen, Alessandro Munge, Michelle Gerson, Sybille de Margerie and Guan Lee—we invited them to lend their unique perspectives to reimagine the Welles aesthetic. The result? A diverse array of designs that push the boundaries of creativity and redefine the possibilities of lighting design.