Anonymous London-based duo City Girls repurposes everyday objects into distinctive lighting designs pieces made from scavenged lace, coat hangers, and scale models. Their innovative approach involves sourcing materials from eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and even street finds.
The duo’s process celebrates individuality, often naming each piece with names like Pamela, Jean, or Allegra. They describe this creation method as akin to assembling an outfit, blending seemingly mismatched elements into a cohesive work of art. The unique touch of their approach brings a charming vibrancy to each creation.
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A Unique Collection of Lighting Creations
Their collection boasts pieces like Zoe, a towering floor lamp constructed with a gridded metal frame wrapped in jersey fabric and adorned with feathers reclaimed from a hat. Sabine, the first functioning lamp they crafted, features a base made from an old chrome chair and a shade formed from a fibreglass model boat. This highlights their commitment to using reclaimed materials.
Lola and Nina are adorned with Glomesh sequins, accompanied by the metallic Raquel, highlighting their affinity for shiny, second-hand materials. Their unique style captivates those who appreciate a mix of glam and sustainability.
A Passion for Unique Fabrication
The design language of City Girls is evident in their use of materials that display visible fabrication signs, such as welds and seams, embracing each object’s history. The lamp Virginia exemplifies this with its old chair legs and swan-like green head. These principles resonate through their lighting design philosophy, ensuring each piece is as unique as its origin.
Inspiring Exhibitions
The duo draws inspiration for its name from a novel by Margaret Harkness titled “A City Girl,” depicting the streets of 1880s London. Their work continues to gain recognition, with interior designer Jermaine Gallacher curating a recent exhibition titled Ten Lamps by City Girls at the Ragged School, London Bridge. Among the displays, the inventive pieces stood out, offering diverse and inventive solutions.
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The photographs are provided courtesy of City Girls.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What materials do City Girls use for their lamps?
City Girls use reclaimed materials such as lace, coat hangers, scale models, feathers, old chrome chairs, fibreglass model boats, and sequins to create their distinctive lighting design pieces.
How do City Girls source materials for their designs?
They source materials from platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and even from street finds to repurpose into their unique lighting designs.
What is the inspiration behind the name City Girls?
The duo draws inspiration for its name from a novel by Margaret Harkness titled ‘A City Girl,’ depicting the streets of 1880s London.