Leather is inextricable from the human experience, early manipulations dating back 400,000 years. Full grain leather is prized throughout the world as the premium surface in any hide, revered for its strength, durability, and beauty. New York City-based Studio Luddite elegantly subverts this notion with their newest release, the Pell Chandelier. Choosing instead to celebrate another aspect, this piece utilizes the raw edge of the hide, stacked in concentric circles to display the natural variation. Usually painted or waxed to preserve integrity, this unexpected use of a material so storied elevates the collection, adding a heightened sense of luxury.
The beauty of the edges makes each piece inherently unique. “As our process evolved, we found ourselves increasingly drawn to the edges of the leather rather than the surface itself. This resulted in a fixture comprised of stacked leather hide disks forming the body of the fixture. While traditionally, fine leather goods feature treated or burnished edges, our components are left raw, showcasing the natural imperfections of the material,” says Lex Zee, founder of Studio Luddite. Endlessly adaptable, the Pell Chandelier is custom crafted to suit any amount of fixtures or drop heights. This allows for a range of applications within the home, including living areas, dining rooms, or bathrooms.
Multiple leather and metal finish options allow for ideal integration into any existing color palette. Every aspect can be tailored to client’s specifications, fostering a seamless transition from lighting to appliance. Fusing modernity with tradition, the Pell Chandelier offers numerous lighting solutions to ensure every project retains a cohesive, timeless finish.
Studio Luddite is a New York-based brand established by principal designer Lex Zee, guided by the tenets of the Luddite Movement. This movement was popular in the early 19th century as a reaction to unemployment and wage decreases brought about by increased modernization. Luddites would often destroy machines in organized raids, something modern workers would do well to remember. In homage, Studio Luddite thoroughly invests in the functionality and integrity of their pieces, staying true to the craftsmanship and skill that has driven so much of humanity thus far. Zee explains, “I take pride in our brand’s dedication in sourcing quality materials and using them in unique ways. We make it a point to preserve the natural authenticity of each individual component.”
Lex Zee of Studio Luddite
To learn more about Studio Luddite and the Pell Chandelier, visit their website at studioluddite.com. For more updates on Instagram, click here.
