In his creative journey, Marco Pagnoncelli is always looking for three characteristic elements: ‘light, light comfort and design’.

Every Icone lamp is born from a bold idea: to create an object that is recognisable at first glance.

With designer Marco Pagnoncelli, we go behind the scenes of the conception and creation of these lamps, with a special focus on the intriguing new ‘Ciondolo’.

An icon defies convention

“On a commercial level we have to follow trends, but we also try to anticipate them if possible. It is easier to sell well-known lamps, but we try to push the envelope, to experiment,” explains Marco. This is generally reflected in the Icone lamps and, in particular, in ‘Ciondolo’, an object that challenges the traditional conventions of domestic lighting.

The process of creating an Icone lamp is a balance between aesthetics and functionality; the latter never takes second place to the aesthetic factor. “Each of our lamps is created with three characteristics in mind – light, lighting comfort and design – which must stay together, they must always coexist”.

The search for the right light

The aim is to produce light that is comfortable and warm, as well as a luminaire that is visually impressive. “Our lamps are made to make a difference,” says Marco, emphasising the importance of light that is pleasant and not dazzling. “People buy lamps that make the right light. That is why I look for quality and not quantity, I want beautiful light‘.

The creation of ‘Ciondolo’ is an emblematic example of this approach.Innovative in design, it stems from a creative path that does not start from a predefined design, but from successive steps of experimentation and discovery of the right harmony according to the vision of its designer.

The lamp plays with a transparency that is almost the absence of form, creating a striking visual effect.The light diffused by ‘Ciondolo’ changes its appearance from the moment it is switched on to the moment of maximum illumination, going from a matt to a satin effect, without creating dark or disturbing shadows on the surface over which it is suspended.

Unusual materials, to be discovered

The choice of materials is also crucial in Icone’s creative process. Marco Pagnoncelli experiments with different solutions, visits suppliers, curiously seeks out unfamiliar and functional materials, shapes and objects, often drawing inspiration from outside his world, to find the perfect combination that respects the aesthetics and quality of light he seeks.

“Lamps like this are born in steps.I do research, I create the product progressively, without starting from a drawing. I mix materials and products from other sectors, then I add light. The materials I look for must not take away light to favour aesthetics, if anything the opposite. Step by step I get the lamp I wanted.

Pendant transforms the space around it

The result is an object, like ‘Ciondolo’, that not only illuminates the space but also transforms it, making it relaxing and pleasant to live in.

“A classic chandelier, it hides what it has around it. I wanted a lamp that could be seen as little as possible, transparent,’ says Marco.

Icone lamps are the expression of a vision that goes beyond mere functionality, embracing beauty and uniqueness.
With Icone, light becomes art.