In today’s design landscape, where the need for collaboration between designers and distributors grows as material costs rise, the New York-based design group Colony is making waves. Their cooperative model works not just alongside, but decidedly for the designer. Adding a fresh dimension to Colony’s innovative roster is Kawabi, a lighting studio that introduces three novel lighting collections: the Souvenir Collection, the Legume Lamp, and the Cascade Pendant. Each piece beautifully combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, translating organic forms into functional art.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Design Group: Colony
Lighting Studio: Kawabi
Founders: Aaron and Irisa Kawabi
Location: New York
Collections: Souvenir Collection, Legume Lamp, Cascade Pendant
Inspiration Source: San Francisco’s Chinatown
Kawabi’s entrance into the Colony lineup brings a spirited reinterpretation of the humble paper lamp, infusing it with modern elegance and enduring charm. The Souvenir Collection, a notable highlight, is inspired by a lamp design originally discovered in San Francisco’s Chinatown. This collection includes the Souvenir Table Lamp and Souvenir Floor Lamp, each embracing a double-orbed shape held aloft by sleek wooden stands. The captivating contrast between the ethereal paper forms and sturdy bases playfully explores the interplay of materials and tradition, bridging timeless art and modern sensibility.
The Legume Lamp further exemplifies Kawabi’s innovative approach to design. Drawing parallels to a playful peanut shape with its bulbous ends and tapered middle, it rests on a solid wooden foundation. This creative design suits any space—be it the warmth of a study or the tranquility of a bedroom. Handmade in Brooklyn with premium materials, the lamp’s soft paper glow evokes a sense of peace and respite, harmoniously blending materiality with emotive warmth and creating a soothing retreat from the chaotic world outside.
Founders Aaron and Irisa Kawabi emphasize their studio’s commitment to collaboration and resonance through design. Their work reflects a deep-seated appreciation for how design can foster feelings of harmony and intimacy. This philosophy was instantly clear when they first created a light piece, which now serves as the cornerstone for their debut collection with Colony. The founders express exhilaration at sharing their thoughtfully curated collection, which they see as a manifestation of love, cooperation, and artistic attunement.
The Cascade Pendant dives deep into the symbiosis of form and function, with its intricate structure of intersecting paper and wooden elements. It elegantly adheres to the design principle of tripartite balance, with each segment seamlessly flowing into the next like a cascading waterfall. This artistic execution ensures that every viewpoint presents a novel visual experience, providing versatility and timeless appeal. The pendant’s grace and sophistication further emphasize Kawabi’s ability to marry cultural richness with contemporary aesthetics.
Jean Lin, the visionary founder of Colony, praises Kawabi’s capacity to draw from traditional Asian art, offering refreshing contemporary interpretations that resonate within today’s market. She notes that the influx of new designers into Colony is rare due to their full schedule, making the inclusion of Kawabi particularly significant. Lin believes that Aaron and Irisa Kawabi represent some of the most genuine and exciting new voices in design, and she looks forward to how their work will resonate with Colony’s audience and clients, as well as contribute to the evolving narrative of design innovation.
