Prolific British designer Tom Dixon has showcased his new selection of works in an exhibition titled Luminosity in Milan. Showcased at MOST (where you will also find New Zealand design talent Resident - a new brand launched by Simon James), Luminosity focuses on new lamps, lights and shades presented in a series of illuminated environments. Dixon explains, "We aim to de-mystify preconceptions of artificial light and to educate people on the future of lighting. Using the latest technologies and materials, drawn from the worlds of engineering, mathematics and nature, our new products shed as much light on the mechanisms and effects of luminous objects as on the design aesthetic itself." Be sure to check it out before the end of the Salone del Mobile.

How do you show the weight of something that you often associate as being virtually weightless? Japanese designer Kouichi Okamoto of Kyouei Design, has placed light bulbs into 16 non-flammable bags, and then off set the overall weight by placing a stone on the other side. Comprised of wood and stainless steel, we like this different take on a traditional floor lamp.

Reminiscent of a loud hailer, South Korean designer Jiwoong Jung has conceived two new lighting designs - the Gyogam floor lamp and the Zigzag pendant. Unsurprisingly, he draws inspiration from speakers and power lines in these striking lights. May we suggest, you don't stare directly into the bulb as modeled in the above photograph.

Scandinavian architects NORM designed their latest product the Mass Light, inspired by streetlamps whilst travelling throughout cities Paris, Barcelona and New York. With a brown marble base and a large bulb, the lights can rest on tabletops, or be hung in clusters for a dramatic effect.

Contemporary Italian furniture company, B&B Italia have just had their new Tel Aviv showroom completed by Israeli architects Pitsou Kedem. Set inside an industrial harbourside warehouse the 11 metre high space is incredibly impressive with a facade of pillars that create a well defined construction grid.

B&B Italia is available locally here.

A fascination with objects and how they work led Lucas Wotawa to study industrial design at Massey in Wellington. Upon completion of his studies, he undertook an internship with one of New Zealand's most established designers Jaime McLellan. He currently works in the props department for The Hobbit movie for Peter Jackson.

Focusing on understanding the life-cycle of a product and how some furniture pieces can date quickly, Wotawa created the 'Self Taut' collection of stools. The upholstery can be changed quickly and easily through the use of an embroidery hoop and clamping fixture. This allows an unlimited opportunity for the owner to personalise the stools with their favourite t-shirt or fabric and the stools can constantly adapt with the domestic space which they're in.

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We first came across Emma Fox Derwin and Nigel Groom of Wellington based design studio Well-Groomed-Fox a couple of years ago. Since then, they've exhibited in Milan at the Salone del Mobile, at the Interieur Biennale in Belgium and at the D3 Design Talents Competition at the Cologne Fair in Germany. Having formed their studio in 2008, the multidisciplinary designers have worked with clients that include international fashion brand Fred Perry.

The XY+Z suit rack started out as an investigation into the habitual act of dressing, and the storage of clothing. They considered how to move away from a traditional flowing wardrobe, and asked themselves, 'can we introduce formality to the everyday act of dressing?'.

Inspired by the traditional men's valet clothing the stand, the suit rack can accommodate an entire ensemble: jacket, shirt, tie, belt, pants, hat and shoes. Conceived to be both functional yet visually appealing, the product is easy to assemble and disassemble and can be flat-packed for transport.

To view more of Well Groomed Fox's work go here.

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Chris Johnson's interest in design can be credited to his family heritage: both of his grandfathers were carpenters. An industrial designer, his experience has led him to work on a variety of projects, including a greenhouse for Stephen and Lucy Marr, fashioned from old villa windows, which was subsequently featured on The Selby.

The 'Afternoon desk' was inspired by old leather top writing desks. He wanted to create a modern version, that offered a lighter appeal, far removed from the bulky aesthetic of the desks he was inspired by. Creating products that are lightweight 'that can be flat packed for ease of transport are important considerations for today's market' he explains, and formed the base of his brief, 'how to make a desk that fits the young professional's needs while continuing to deliver that feel[ing] of power and beauty'.

Leather stretches between the steel framing of the desk, and also forms a sophisticated cord tray, where messy cords can be concealed in style.

To view more of Chris' work go here.

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Leading a team of architectural graduates at Warren and Mahoney, architect Barrington Gohns seeks to explore the use of technology and art within architectural design. Having worked across numerous projects including fashion shows for fashion brand Stolen Girlfriends Club, along with various other creative and visual based installations, he is currently establishing a workshop and studio on the cusp of Grey Lynn and Ponsonby.

His 'Cantilever chair' made from sand cast aluminium, stainless steel, leather and black zinc plated mild steel, enables the user to hover about the floor plane in a free-floating seat. One of the main considerations he took on board with this design was creating a piece of furniture that could withstand the test of time both aesthetically and materially. The cast aluminium core of the seat is non-corrosive and designed to withstand the elements.

The user is able to adjust the angle of the seat by slotting the stainless steel bars which the leather seat hangs off, in and out of cavities, which changes the slack of the chair and the angle the user sits on.

To counter balance the weight of the user, Gohns uses several 18 kilogram weights that can be slotted into the back of the chair, which gives the user the ability to move the chair around without the weights, and then finish the installing process by putting the weights in place (which can then be removed whenever desired).

To contact Barrington you can email him.

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After completing a Bachelor of Design (3D and Object) at Unitec in 2009, Tim Webber went on to pursue several internships, including one with industry heavyweight David Trubridge. His personal studio, Tim Webber Design was established not long after finishing university and since its inception 20 products have been developed and brought to market. Currently, Webber has 5 stockists throughout New Zealand and has big ambitions to pursue the Australian market. Citing influences such as Tom Dixon and Benjamin Hubert, he is looking forward to pushing NZ design out to the global market.

The slender and sleek Ample pendant is made from hand turned Pacific Rimu with a spun aluminium light shade which is then powder-coated in a satin black or white. The cable is nestled inside a woven flex sleeve, providing options for contrasting colours for the purchaser. The light is part of Webber's WM series which delves into the juxtaposition of wood and metal. Suitable for a variety of spaces - a neat line above a bar, or in a cluster in larger commercial spaces - the light is extremely versatile.

Utilising the top manufacturers in New Zealand, the Y Stool by Tim Webber is constructed from quality and lasting materials. Mixing mig and tig welded steel leg sections and footrests and American Ash turned legs, further demonstrates Webber's exploration into the relationship between wood and metal - the two most common materials used in furniture design. The powdercoat finish is available in six different colours allowing for a fun injection of colour in any environment.

View more of Tim's work here.

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