A Step Towards Lighting Evolution
Denmark-headquartered lighting brand Astep may have only been around since 2014, but its illustrious Italian design pedigree spans three generations. Astep founder Alessandro Sarfatti is the grandson of Italian lighting maestro and founder of Arteluce Gino Sarfatti. After completing his degree in economic sciences in 1996, Alessandro worked for Luceplan, a lighting company founded by his parents Riccardo Sarfatti and Sandra Severi, and architect Paolo Rizzatto in 1978. He climbed the ladder to become its CEO in 2005. Eight years later he left Luceplan to establish Astep, carrying on the Sarfatti entrepreneurial spirit.
Astep both creates and curates lighting objects. The brand aims to contribute to the evolution of high-end lighting products by combining tradition and an innovative design approach. Two of the brand’s recent launches were designed decades ago, re-edited with today’s technology and design sensibilities. The suspension lamp Model 2065, designed by Sarfatti’s grandfather, made a wave when it was launched in 1950 for using lightweight polymer plastic at a time when glass was the lighting industry’s favourite translucent material. Weighing a mere 2.7 kilograms, Astep’s 2016 edit of Model 2065 features LED bulbs. It is produced in the original fully opaline shade, as well as with a new black upper saucer that offers a softtouch coating (pictured, left).
Designed by architect Vittoriano Viganó during his time as Arteluce’s Art Director in 1951, VV Cinquanta takes versatility to new heights with a direct light source that can swivel and tilt. With a simple adjustment, VV Cinquanta can be converted from direct working light to upward lighting. The 2016 collection comprises four models: wall mounted Wall and Twin (featuring two arms), Suspension (pictured, top right), and Floor (freestanding). Weighing only three kilograms, VV Cinquanta Suspension pairs the collection’s signature reflector with an understated one in a contrasting colour and classic shape, creating a decidedly contemporary look akin to an artwork. In Singapore, Astep is available from The Beuro.