The Annual 2021 winners have been revealed, with some of the most exciting projects and companies in the history of Creativepool. Who are these amazing entrants and what makes them the 'most' of the creative industry?
Senior 3D Creative, Founder & Creative Director Roberto Nicolò is a unique winner this year in more than one respect: he is literally the only individual who was able to grab an award in the Product/Industrial category, also winning over the love of the community with a People's Choice award. His Lomy Range, a masterpiece of design, has already earned him a number of awards outside of Creativepool, and thus it is not surprising that such a beautiful piece of work was able to win over the judges this year.
In this Annual 2021 Spotlight, we are learning more about Roberto and his winning project, as well as his upcoming projects for 2022 and beyond.
What do you think impressed the judges about this project?
Reading the comment of Paolo D'Ippolito on the digital Annual 2021, I think they were impressed by the idea behind the Lomy lamp, the brand Etherin and its mission.
Etherin intertwines materials, artisanal tradition, environmentally-conscious technology, and manufacturing techniques resulting in truly beautiful objects which speak a language of the world.
About the Lomy range in particular, I believe they liked how the form follows the function, allowing two types of lighting. Lomy is an interpretation of gravitation. When viewed from different perspectives, a Lomy lamp provides an interpretation of the natural gravitation in nature.
Based on the Fibonacci sequence, the geometric bamboo construction of the lamp is made by artisans in East Java, and is then blended with pioneering sustainable technology, the best quality LEDs, and robust wireless control. The bamboo element is made by hand and dried underneath the sun in an Indonesian jungle, ensuring that no two Lomy lamps are ever exactly the same.
Lomy lamps are available in medium and large and also trio, a combination of three lamps. All have a common ethereal form that has two opposite bamboo caps which direct light upwards and downwards. The upward cap which points to the ceiling creates diffused ambient light, whilst concentrated zonal light is achieved with the downwards facing cup.
What is the story of the Lomy range?
I founded the brand myself 3 years ago and the brief of its first range Lomy, "an object of worldly blended beauty" comes straight from the mission and belief that Etherin has as a brand.
Worldly blended beauty is at the heart of Etherin and every Lomy lamp. That DNA is all about protecting cultural language through support and profiling of the talented artisans who make the bamboo part of the lamps, as is the sustainability agenda that runs through every part of studio and things we design. Each element included in the lamp through to its packaging is designed not only to last but when the time comes, be recycled.
This keen focus on the blending of function and aesthetic while keeping artisanal tradition alive is what drives us. Etherin is a brand built around cultural potential and design character for liberal, curious, and socially-conscious people with an appreciation for tradition and the finer things in life.
We believe design can give life to a new language.
As designers, we're inspired by the world’s brilliant artisans and technologists. To create truly beautiful objects, we intertwine materials, artisanal tradition, environmentally conscious technology and manufacturing techniques discovered on journeys far and wide.
At the heart of every Etherin object, you will find the knowledge and skill of traditional craft blended with the determination of sustainable technology. Our focus on quality means a conscientious approach to how we design and select energy efficient, recyclable and environmentally friendly components.
Exquisite traditional craftsmanship
We believe it is our duty to promote different cultures and the traditions they represent. By blending long-established techniques with sustainable technology, we create objects which speak a new worldly language, one that celebrates heritage and traditional making.
Designed with the best quality sustainable technology
We believe in the power of design, sustainable technology and quality. They drive every design decision for the bespoke elements we create. We only choose the best base materials and use energy efficient, recyclable and environmentally conscious components from ethical supply chains.
Made by people
From those that inspire our designs, to hand assembly in Italy, people are at the core of every Etherin object. We believe in a language of our world, insistent on products being touched by the human hand, free from chemicals, made with natural organic materials, which blend perfectly with sustainable technology.
Perfect imperfections
Our world is not perfect but we find the beauty in it. At least 50% of every Etherin object is handmade by artisans from around the world. We embrace independent designers and makers who bring their own handcraft to each object. No two Etherin objects are ever exactly the same, making every object bespoke for you.
Tell us more about the concept. How did it come to life, and why was it the right choice?
As a designer and avid explorer of new places, different people and many cultures, I’ve seen the potential our world has to offer. That’s why I created Etherin.
I’m very excited to launch Lomy, an object of worldly blended beauty which brings everything together so perfectly for people’s homes and spaces.
I really enjoy living a conscious lifestyle, one that includes function, aesthetics, and that celebrates the exceptional talent and cultures of our world. With Lomy, I hope others can enjoy these things too.
This year’s winners are a testament to the power of creativity in hardship. How did Covid restrictions influence your winning projects and how did you approach these new challenges?
Covid restrictions made prototyping, sourcing components, production and photo shoots a real nightmare! A lot of ups and downs along the way influenced my physical and mental health. I felt very frustrated with problems and waiting time for every single thing. I guess the the scariest one, was that I did not have any idea about when we were going to go back to "normal life".
As the Creativepool founder stated "as we ease back into a new normal, this year's winners are a testimony to the power of creativity and the strength of the industry.
Such a true story!
What’s the main message of the project and why does it matter?
We are still working on the campaign for the launch on the market, that hopefully it is going to happen by Christmas. The main message is based on the pillars of the brand and its first product LOMY,” An object of worldly blended beauty”.
Etherin explores the world through design. Working with talented artisans finding ways to blend beauty into objects which protect cultural language, Etherin intertwines materials, artisanal tradition, environmentally-conscious technology, and manufacturing techniques resulting in truly beautiful objects which speak a language of the world.
What is one unique aspect of the project?
The unique aspect of the project and at the same time of the brand is the focus on blending function and aesthetic while keeping artisanal tradition alive. Our objects are made by hand, ensuring that no two Lomy lamps are ever exactly the same. It would be impossible to reproduce the same product with the same material in industrial way and we love that!
How long did it take from inception to delivery?
Well, I can't really define how long it took so far..
I started 3 years ago with ups and downs along the way, and I am trying to improve the project everyday, so I would say that it is still a work in progress project.
What do you hope it achieves for your brand?
We are surrounded by millions of industrial products, exactly the same and without souls. We don't have a clear knowledge of who makes them, if they treat people ethically with respect and fair pay, if they are using natural and regenerated materials, and reducing energy and water use, as well as avoiding harmful chemicals.
I hope that a lot of people will get to know my brand and feel inspired by it. Etherin is a brand built around cultural potential and design character for liberal, curious, and socially-conscious people with an appreciation for tradition and the finer things in life.
What advice would you share with other agencies and individuals looking to grab an award?
Don't design anything with the aim to grab an award. Just do what you love and what makes you feel inspired. If people will appreciate what you have done, then it will be a big win!
What is your most exciting project in the next year?
I am working on a new product range using the most beautiful wool produced in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. Unfortunately, I am going to spend a lot of time there hahah!
Will you enter again in 2022? If so, what are your hopes?
Sure, I will ! what are my hopes? Mmm… come on! It’s a golden answer!
How do you plan to display your award?
If you refer to the framed award, it will be in my studio right behind me. If you refer to the digital award, then it's already everywhere on my website, socials, blog and more!
Credit list for the project?
Me! :) and studio FDDP.
