KAIA

 On the occasion of Milan Design Week 2024, the British/German lighting company KAIA unveils 'The Empyrean', an innovative collection born from the collaboration with renowned British designer John Whelan, founder and creative director of the collective The Guild of Saint Luke (GSL Works). Presented within an immersive installation amidst Milan's bustling core, the Cinque Vie district, this new collection embodies the shared commitment of both partners to pioneering craftsmanship and design. 'The Empyrean' offers a singular interpretation of lighting's evocative and spiritual essence, fusing literal and abstract elements in a contemporary expression that draws inspiration from Art Deco and sacred geometry.

The term 'KAIA', a German word meaning both light and shade, serves as a testament to the brand's adeptness in balancing contrasts. Since its inception, KAIA has cultivated partnerships with a diverse array of creative talents such as Sophie Dries, Sebastian Hepting, Maximilian Prüfer to produce distinctive lighting pieces renowned for their exceptional design and unparalleled quality—a dedication resulting in an authentic fusion of European creativity. For its debut showcase at Milan Design Week, KAIA has embarked on a collaborative journey
with GSL Works. Led by John Whelan, this collective of artisans, architects, and creatives is acclaimed for its belief that the design heritage of the past enriches the present, crafting works that pay homage to previous eras while imbuing them with a contemporary flair. Their creations seamlessly blend tradition with innovation, exemplifying meticulous precision and design excellence. 'The Empyrean' represents the inaugural collaboration between KAIA and GSL Works, reinterpreting the brand's fundamental principles while introducing a daring futuristic dimension, thanks to the vision of the managing director Manuela Szewald and the creative director Jordan Chew.

“We are a Bespoke European Lighting Atelier whose mission is rooted in reviving workshops across Europe to provide timeless pieces of art through a design process that honors both the raw materials and the masterful hands that mold them” declares Szewald, brand director.
‘The Empyrean’ presents a meticulously crafted cinematic ambiance, using the evocative power of light to capture a timeless dimension. Within the installation, Whelan skillfully merges two influential inspirations: the technical prowess of Art Deco and the mystique of sacred geometry. Through the innovative use of KAIA's iconic LED tubes, Whelan orchestrates a dynamic and enthralling environment. A focal point of the display is the new chandelier Empyrean, adorned with a 'starburst' motif reminiscent of esoteric rays of light, invoking feelings of
transcendence and the sublime when viewed from above.

“THE GUILD OF SAINT LUKE is a global affiliation of architects, artisans and artists. In thrall to the Decorative Arts of Europe, GSL conducts its operations across the continent, mining its archives for inspiration. By embracing the idiosyncrasies of each country in which they work, The Guild creates locally sensitive projects that rhyme with the past and chime with the present.” states Whelan.
Its angular polished steel framework pays homage to the pioneering designs of German luminary Fritz August Brehaus de Groot (1883-1960). Enclosed within a mirror-faceted semicircle, echoing the iconic interiors crafted by Rene Prou (1887-1947), the chandelier's radiance reverberates infinitely, symbolizing the perpetual dance between illumination and shadow. The collaboration features ‘Empyrean’, a limited edition chandelier of which only 30 will ever be made by KAIA’s specialist silversmith european workshop. Born from this unique design is ‘Trap’ a perforated, polished stainless steel sconce which will be added to KAIA’s eclectic collection items.

Freed from the rational constraints that permanence imposes, ‘The Empyrean’ installation is a rare opportunity for pure, unbridled creativity. The collaboration between KAIA and GSL Works represents a convergence of visionary design, technical expertise, and artistic innovation. By melding tradition with forward-thinking modernity, the collection sets a new standard for excellence in the realm of lighting design, delivering a transformative encounter that resonates on both aesthetic and emotional planes.