The founder and creator of Canada-based contemporary design studio Gabriel Scott discusses how upmarket fashion influences his work
How does fashion influence your lighting fixture designs?
My approach to lighting and furniture design emphasizes a commitment to timeless elegance. At Gabriel Scott, our pieces exude a classic aesthetic that transcends fleeting trends. Much like a vintage Chanel garment remains effortlessly chic decades later, our designs boast longevity and relevance in contemporary settings. Drawing inspiration from the bold glamour of Lanvin’s jewelry collection, we infuse our creations with a sense of sophistication and proportion reminiscent of the iconic fashion house.
Since you previously designed human-scale jewelry, can you elaborate on how you view decorative lighting fixtures as large-scale pieces of jewelry?
I believe that lighting serves as the adornment of any space. I love to look at jewelry lines like Pomellato, Cartier and De Beers for lighting inspiration. For instance, our Harlow series was sparked by a discontinued Cartier ring—a mesmerizing arrangement of cold, exploding spheres. My experience in crafting both macro and micro-scale designs was honed during my time at Jennifer Scott—the first brand I formed, where I specialized in creating jewelry from semi-precious stones.
Why are hand-made lighting fixtures important to the Gabriel Scott brand?
Craftsmanship lies at the heart of the brand. Infused with a profound sense of quality and intricate detail, our artisans, employing time-honored techniques, meticulously craft each piece. Attention to detail is paramount. From the precise metal clasps to the prong connections and bracket detailing, each component harmonizes seamlessly to create a finished product that exudes beauty and sophistication.
Additionally, making lighting fixtures by hand means we have total creative control over the production process which makes customization very simple. Whether we’re adapting our standard collection or designing fully bespoke products, customization is integral to the brand identity.
Please elaborate on the materials explored in your designs.
We offer studio signature finishes that resonate strongly with our clientele. These finishes encompass a range of luxurious elements, including warm metal tones, glass textures and colors, steel, marble and vegan leather. Furthermore, we’ve noted a growing demand in recent years for porcelain lighting, so we’ve recently introduced this into our collection.
Is there a particular fixture design of which you are most proud? Why?
The Welles Collections stands as one of our most iconic offerings. Like a captivating cloud, the Welles chandelier is formed of geometric and multifaceted shapes. Soft, frosted glass or sleek steel finishes ensconced within satin metallic prongs creates a mesmerizing interplay of light and form, casting an enchanting ambiance.
Our commitment to innovation led us to expand the Welles Collection with the Welles Reimagined project to celebrate Gabriel Scott’s 10th anniversary. We invited six global interior designers to lend their unique perspectives to reimagine the Welles aesthetic. The result? A diverse array of designs that push the boundaries of creativity and redefine the possibilities of lighting design.