Foscarini presents Twiggy: personality for an ever-evolving design

Foscarini presents Twiggy lamp has long been captivating design aficionados with its amalgam of delicate poetry and iconic directness, natural and sophisticated qualities. To further enrich the breadth of its personalities, two resplendent classic tones – Burgundy color and Rosewood essence – have been included to the lamp’s palette, solidifying its reputation as a best-seller since 2006.

The Twiggy never-ending story

Marc Sadler was motivated to create a variation of the arc lamp with a unique atmosphere. It came to him after observing the structure of a fishing rod. He and the Foscarini team used the fishing rod’s form and inherent qualities to design the Twiggy’s slender stem. It also elegantly curves, swings, and bends with a broad, level base that holds it to the ground. The conglomeration of elements creates a feeling of discord, due to the gravitational elements appearing mismatched. Despite this, it functions effectively.

The eureka moment

In order to create a visually unique item, the design team had a genius idea to combine an extra light stem with a strong and sturdy base without adding any visual weight. The stem was constructed of several reinforced glass fiber linear sections that could be joined together or disassembled quickly and without difficulty. This ensured that the linear sections occupied minimal space when separated and became an essential, long and thin line in space when connected.

The base is carbon fiber, a composite that was both thin and strong. Therefore, allowing the lamp to balance easily as its stem moved delicately when touched. Not only that, but the light from the bottom and top of its cylindric diffuser illuminated the entire room. In addition, the stem and diffuser height can change with counterweights above the diffuser to the inclination to change in five-centimeter intervals.

Smart design choices and artisanal expertise

Drawing inspiration from the world of sports and extreme performance is commonplace for Marc Sadler, who worked on sporting equipment. Moreover, using his expertise in materials, engineering, and industrial design. The concept of turning this idea into an actual product, however, required much research on the part of Marc Sadler, joined by Foscarini and a handful of Italian artisans who sought to extend beyond the boundaries of their comfort zone. Foscarini presents Twiggy has since published a book on the various craft-related collaborations that stem from this endeavor. It is available for purchase here.

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