There is a specific kind of magic that happens in the Brera Design District during Milan Design Week—a transformation of historic architecture into a vessel for the avant-garde. This year, we found ourselves drawn to the shadowed corridors of Via Palermo 11, an evocative venue known as the ‘Icehouse,’ where Australian designer Ross Gardam has unveiled his latest exhibition, Luminescent Duality.
The exhibition is a masterclass in the balance of light and shadow, exploring the tension between clarity and obscurity. In the world of high-end interior styling, we often speak about lighting as the "jewelry" of a room. However, Gardam’s work transcends mere ornamentation; it is physical poetry. The Luminescent Duality exhibition, located in the heart of the Brera Design District, serves as a contemplative sanctuary amidst the frantic energy of the 2025 fair, showcasing a collection that feels both ancient and futuristic.
Aeris: Floating Clouds in Glass and Brass
The journey through the exhibition begins with a sense of profound weightlessness. The Aeris collection is perhaps the most ethereal of Gardam’s new offerings. Inspired by the simplicity of childlike sketches of clouds, Aeris translates these whimsical forms into sophisticated modular chandeliers.
What makes Aeris truly remarkable from a design perspective is the juxtaposition of its materials. Each piece features mouth-blown glass, crafted by the renowned Liam Fleming, paired with hand-machined brass bars. The result is a series of arrangements that appear to drift through the space. For the interior stylist, Aeris offers a rare versatility—it can serve as a singular, delicate focal point or be clustered into a grand, sweeping installation that mimics a gathering storm.
Editor’s Tip: When styling with modular pieces like Aeris, consider the "negative space" as much as the fixture itself. The shadows cast by the machined brass create a secondary, architectural layer on your ceiling and walls.
Solace: The Geometry of a Glass Tear
While Aeris floats, the Solace collection grounds the room with a sharper, more geometric sensibility. The design language here is one of intersecting circles and perpendicular forms, creating a silhouette that feels both rigorous and emotional.
The standout feature of Solace is the unique "glass-chilling" effect. Unlike traditional glass-blowing where the piece is rotated to ensure a smooth finish, Solace is formed in cast iron moulds without rotation. This process allows the glass to retain a distinct personality—a rippled, organic texture that contrasts beautifully with the precision of the perpendicular metal elements.
- Design Profile: Intersecting circular glass forms.
- Versatility: Available as overhead pendants, wall mounts, and desk lamps.
- Materiality: Hand-cast glass paired with refined metalwork.
Relic: A Brutalist Masterpiece in Cast Crystal
If Luminescent Duality has a heart, it is undoubtedly the Relic. This piece is not merely a lamp; it is a monolithic device that challenges our perception of glass. Created in collaboration with glass sculptor Peter Kovacsy, Relic is a brutalist optical lamp that feels as though it was excavated from a prehistoric site rather than manufactured in a studio.
The technical narrative behind Relic is staggering. Each piece begins as a massive 40kg block of glass. Through an intensive excavation and polishing phase, nearly half the weight is stripped away, leaving a 20kg crystal form of immense clarity and depth. The annealing process alone—a slow cooling to prevent internal stress—takes 14 days.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid Cast Crystal Glass |
| Weight | 20kg (Finished) |
| Exclusivity | Limited to 10 editions globally |
| Process | Hand-sculpted and cold-worked |
The significance of the Relic piece lies in its scarcity and the sheer labor required for its creation. With only 10 handcrafted editions available worldwide, it represents the pinnacle of collectible design.
The International Debut of Volant
While much of the buzz at Milan Design Week 2025 surrounds the new launches, there is a nostalgic resonance in the international debut of the Volant wall light. We first saw Volant at the Transcendence exhibition in Melbourne back in 2023, but seeing it here, in the context of the Brera Design District, reveals its evolution.
Volant acts as a bridge between the studio's past and future. Its minimalist, bar-like form and diffused light offer a sleek alternative to the more sculptural Aeris and Solace pieces. Its presence in Milan marks the first time international audiences can experience the full breadth of the Volant collection, which has become a staple for designers looking for a sophisticated, understated architectural light.
Craftsmanship and Melbourne Roots
Ross Gardam’s studio has long been a favorite of ours for its ability to fuse traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Based in Melbourne, the studio’s arrival in Milan for 2025 reinforces the growing global influence of Australian contemporary design.
There is a distinct honesty in Gardam's work. Whether it’s the hand-machined brass or the mouth-blown glass, you can feel the hand of the maker in every curve. In an era of mass production, Luminescent Duality serves as a reminder that the most beautiful interiors are those that prioritize the "soul" of an object. For the reader looking to bring this aesthetic home, the lesson is clear: invest in pieces that tell a story of their making.
FAQ
Where is Ross Gardam's 'Luminescent Duality' exhibition located? The exhibition is held at Via Palermo 11, within the renowned Brera Design District, during Milan Design Week 2025. The venue, a former icehouse, provides a moody and atmospheric setting that perfectly complements the theme of light and shadow.
What are the featured lighting collections in Ross Gardam's 2025 Milan show? The exhibition showcases three primary new collections: the Aeris cloud-inspired pendants, the Solace geometric glass series, and the Relic limited-edition brutalist optical lamp. Additionally, the show features the international debut of the Volant wall light.
How can I purchase or specify Ross Gardam lighting for a project? While the Relic is a highly exclusive limited edition (only 10 pieces), the Aeris, Solace, and Volant collections are available for specification through Ross Gardam’s global network of distributors. They offer international shipping for both residential and commercial projects.
