Elegance is in the details with Occhio's new phantom surfaces

A few years ago, the Zurich Museum für Gestaltung put the focus on something that actually seems obvious: the surface of design products. But the exhibition 'Make-Up' surprised even die-hard design lovers with new perspectives – because even though we perceive the exterior, we as viewers are not always aware of what the surface texture triggers in us.

One of the exhibition pieces was the famous Panton Chair, which looks much classier in the shiny original version from 1967 than in the matt version from the 1990s. Also presented was the can of terrycloth Super Deo Spray, which wrapped itself in bathrobe fabric at the end of the 1970s to arouse pleasant feelings, or a computer mouse that seems to be carved out of wood and humorously irritates the user.

At Occhio, surfaces are chosen as carefully as the designs themselves. Instead of trends, the guidelines of good style are followed here. Only surfaces that achieve exciting effects for all models have any chance of being included in the programme. So far, there have been six surfaces, ranging from matt white to rose gold, which have given the members of the comprehensive lamp families different effects.

With phantom, Occhio recently introduced a new, mysterious surface. Depending on how light hits it, phantom changes its appearance – shifting between dark brown and dark grey, it always remains exquisite and stylish. The transitions in this play of colours are fluid.

The subtle phantom surface is now also available in a black edition. With black phantom, the surfaces of luminaires and spotlights now have a particularly striking elegance, which as a powerful and deep black accent will delight lovers of purist designs. Thanks to the metallic depth and intensity of the colour, black phantom stands out as a deliberate contrast to the interior without being stylistically out of the ordinary.

Like the intense and warm bronze and rose gold versions, phantom and black phantom are also resistant surfaces of exceptionally high quality – at the same time extremely scratch-resistant and durable, they do not tarnish or oxidise. The enormous value of the coating gives the luminous objects a special aura.

'Phantom and black phantom sustainably complement our holistic luminaire systems. These noble surfaces will still fascinate in ten years' time,' says designer and Occhio founder Axel Meise. Phantom and black phantom playfully remove the boundaries of perception and develop a dynamic that combines the best of nature and the world of metals.

The idea of developing long-lasting lamps that put everything from the floor to the ceiling in the right light is the basis of Occhio. All series can also be combined with each other. Axel Meise wants to create harmony with his designs: with a holistic approach of highest efficiency and best light and design quality. New technologies such as the control of light via app or gestures are typical for the 'joy of use' at Occhio.

From a young age, the designer started to build luminaires himself. Many years later, during a job in retail, he realised that there were hardly any combinable products to equip an entire room or building with luminaires: this gave rise to the idea of developing stylish systems. Today, the modular approach convinces in four series – all with diverse models, colours and technical possibilities.

The different versions of Mito are of course also available with the new phantom surfaces. That way, everything comes together holistically at Occhio. Far away from fast fashions, the brand convinces with timeless designs, highest quality and innovative technology. 'It must be a pleasure to handle Occhio', Axel Meise sums up. This is exactly the claim that his lamps radiate.

© Architonic