Flos

Holloways of Ludlow are proud to be one of a small number of Flos dealers worldwide with Flos Premium Dealer status. So what does this mean? Most importantly it means that we have deep and detailed product knowledge of the entire Flos range and you can trust our staff to help you with all aspects of your lighting project. We also have access to the Flos team in Italy to offer enhanced support and services to our clients. Whilst we represent many lighting brands our partnership with Flos is especially important and we are here to help you make the right decisions for your home/project.

For an in-depth look at Flos lighting click here >

What is the history of Flos?

Flos, one of the most influential names in contemporary lighting design, was founded in 1962 in Merano, Italy, by Dino Gavina and Cesare Cassina. From its inception, the company’s mission was to create lighting that transcended function and became a form of art. The name “Flos,” meaning “flower” in Latin, symbolized the company’s vision of bringing light and beauty into people’s lives.

In the early years, Flos collaborated with visionary designers such as Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Tobia Scarpa, and later Philippe Starck. These partnerships produced some of the most iconic lighting pieces of the 20th century, including the Arco, Taccia, and Snoopy lamps—designs that redefined how light could interact with space and emotion. Many of these works now reside in major art museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. See the Snoopy table lamp at MoMa.

Flos became a pioneer in material innovation, notably experimenting with “cocoon” resin, a spray-on plastic developed for military use, which was repurposed to create unique, diffused lamp shades. This bold approach to design and technology established Flos as a leader in the lighting industry.

Over the decades, Flos expanded globally, embracing new technologies such as LED and smart lighting systems while maintaining its commitment to artistic expression. Today, Flos continues to collaborate with world-renowned designers, balancing tradition with innovation. With its dedication to sustainability and timeless design, Flos remains at the forefront of shaping how we experience light in modern living. Recent collborations include the IC Collection by Michael Anastassiades.

Learn more about Flos designer Achille Castiglioni

Learn about Flos designer Michael Anastassiades

Flos has worked, and continues to work, with many acclaimed designers, including Philippe Starck, Gino Sarfatti and Marcel Wanders, to create contemporary, innovative and modern lighting for the home and office. Flos lighting is used in the very best residential and commercial projects the world over and is one of our absolute favourite brands.

Learn more about Philippe Starck and Flos lighting

Flos lights have been used in prestigious projects around the world and we continue to use Flos lighting where a modern, sleek and classic design is required. This stunning project in The Netherlands showcases one of our favourite Flos lights, The Smithfield pendant by Jasper Morrison. We also love the Flos Arco floor lamp in this stunning Parisian apartment.

As well as Flos decorative lighting, Holloways of Ludlow can help with you Flos outdoor lighting and Flos architectural and technical lighting. Just contact us online or in one of our stores.

Flos is also working very hard to become a sustainable and responsible manufacturer. It has created three pillars that influence all aspects of the business.

Energy and Materials: Flos is working to minimise the use of materials and energy across all aspects of the business.

Development and Wellbeing: By looking after its people Flos aims to create positive and healthy working conditions for all

Heritage and Know-How: Flos continues to leverage its knowledge and rich history to create products that will last many lifetimes.

Holloways of Ludlow supply the entire Flos collection and have access to exclusive support from Flos Italy. We supply:

• Flos pendant lights
• Flos wall lights
• Flos table lamps
• Flos outdoor lights
• Flos floor lights
• Flos ceiling lights
• Flos architectural lighting
• Flos bathroom lights

5 Interesting Facts About Flos Lighting

1. Italian Design Legacy – Flos was founded in 1962 in Merano, Italy, and has become a global icon of contemporary lighting design. The brand has collaborated with legendary designers like Achille Castiglioni, Philippe Starck, and Patricia Urquiola.

2. The Birth of Modern Lighting Icons – Some of Flos’s creations, such as the Arco Lamp and Taccia Lamp, are considered masterpieces of industrial design and are displayed in museums like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

3. Innovative Material Use – Flos was among the first companies to experiment with new materials like cocoon resin (used to create diffused lamp shades) in the 1960s, changing the way lighting was produced and perceived.

4. A Blend of Art and Technology – Flos seamlessly merges aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, producing smart and energy-efficient lighting systems that maintain a sculptural and artistic appeal.

5. Sustainability at the Core – In recent years, Flos has committed to sustainability by focusing on eco-friendly materials, modular product designs for easy repair, and reduced packaging waste, all part of its “Flos B Corp” certification initiative.

Design Awards and Flos

Over the years Flos has won many major international design awards. For example, in 2020 the iconic Flos Arco floor lamp won the the Product Lifetime Achievement Award at the ADI Compasso d’Oro awards. Many products, including the Flos Skygarden pendant, have also won awards at the prestigious Elle Deco International Design Awards. Every year Flos lighting continues to innovate and grow and we at Holloways of Ludlow are extremely proud to be one of their key partners.

Here are 10 notable design awards won by Flos

1. Belt by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec received the Compasso d’Oro ADI (XXVII Edition), for its innovative modular lighting system and refined craftsmanship.

2. Arrangements by Michael Anastassiades received the Compasso d’Oro ADI (2020), celebrating its sculptural elegance and conceptual approach to light.

3. Arco Lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni received the Product Lifetime Achievement Award – 26th Compasso d’Oro ADI, cementing its place as a timeless design icon.

4. Noctambule by Konstantin Grcic received the Elle Décor International Design Award (EDIDA) (2020), recognizing its fusion of transparency, modularity, and elegance.

5. Infra-Structure Episode 2 by Vincent Van Duysen received the Wallpaper* Design Award (2021), highlighting its minimalist architecture and versatility.

6. Kelvin LED by Antonio Citterio received the Red Dot Design Award (2011), for its innovative lighting technology and sleek, adjustable form.

7. Solid Pure (Flos Architectural) received the Red Dot Design Award, for its pure geometric form and refined light diffusion.

8. Super Flat (Flos Architectural) received the Red Dot Design Award, for its ultra-slim profile and exceptional efficiency.

9. Parentesi Lamp by Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzù received the Compasso d’Oro ADI (1979), recognized for its radical simplicity and innovative tension-cable suspension system.

10. Mayday by Konstantin Grcic received the Compasso d’Oro ADI (2001), celebrated for its playful versatility and industrial charm.