Mario Bellini with Chiara in 2020. Photo by Alessandro Furchino Capria.
Designed by Mario Bellini for Flos in 1969, Chiara lamp is an iconic design object formed from a simple sheet of polished stainless steel cut and rolled into a cylinder. This self-supporting, origami-like structure hides a now updated LED light source. The light is reflected and diffused by a large ‘hat’ resembling a nun’s wimple and veil.
Chiara is a supple construction, simply rolled up on itself. Bellini started designing it in 1968, using paper models. The light it provides is dynamic because it originates in the base, hits the upper screen, which reflects it, and then diffuses out into the surrounding area. Even when switched off, Chiara’s strong and charismatic identity makes a striking impression.