Illuminating Legacy: Shaping spaces and inspiring style.

In a stunning fusion of history and innovation, <a href="https://www.focusglobalinc.com/louis-poulsen/">Louis Poulsen</a> marked its 150th anniversary with an extraordinary celebration at Bonifacio Global City. It was an evening of style, elegance, and reverence for a brand that has transformed lighting into an art form. The He(art) of Light exhibition gathered Manila&rsquo;s creative elite&mdash;from designers to architects to cultural icons&mdash;to honor a brand that has quietly shaped both spaces and the experiences within them for over a century.
Founded in 1874 in Copenhagen, Louis Poulsen&rsquo;s journey began as a local business rooted in craftsmanship, growing into a global symbol of design excellence. The celebration turned the Twenty-Four Seven McKinley Building into an immersive homage to this heritage. The ambiance was a seamless blend of understated sophistication and radiant artistry, brought to life by the presence of Louis Poulsen&rsquo;s iconic lighting pieces. Guests, including Mond Gutierrez, Christi Mcgarry, and Tim Yap, moved through the gallery-like space, captivated by the fixtures that cast a quiet, inviting glow&mdash;the essence of Scandinavian design that has defined Louis Poulsen&rsquo;s style.

At the center of the exhibition was the legendary PH Artichoke lamp, originally designed by Poul Henningsen in 1958. With 72 precisely positioned metal leaves, each capturing and diffusing light in perfect harmony, the PH Artichoke is more than a fixture; it&rsquo;s a testament to Henningsen&rsquo;s design philosophy. Its shadow-free, multidirectional glow wrapped guests in warmth, embodying the balance of beauty and functionality that has become Louis Poulsen&rsquo;s hallmark.
The anniversary also brought a limited-edition collection of Louis Poulsen classics, each piece carrying the weight of a 150-year legacy. The AJ Mini lamp, originally designed by Arne Jacobsen, stood out with its timeless elegance. Known for its sharp lines and tiltable shade, the AJ Mini offers both style and precision, ideal for those who appreciate function without sacrificing beauty. And then, of course, there was the Panthella by Verner Panton. With its softly rounded, dome-like silhouette and diffused glow, the Panthella is the ultimate ambient lighting piece, a harmonious blend of modernity and warmth that turns any room into an inviting retreat.
These limited-edition pieces featured a modern touch, with matte white exteriors that give way to soft pale pink interiors, highlighted by elegant metallized brass accents. The designs are as much a tribute to the brand&rsquo;s history as they are a step into the future, intended to age gracefully over time and become cherished heirlooms.

&ldquo;This evening is a meaningful recognition of our journey and the milestones we&rsquo;ve celebrated in the Philippines,&rdquo; shared Lolita Sy, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Focus Global, Louis Poulsen&rsquo;s exclusive distributor in the country. Her words encapsulated the emotion of the evening&mdash;a shared appreciation for design that enriches spaces, creating a presence that lingers long after the lights have dimmed.
Adding a distinctly local flair to the evening was photographer Colin Dancel, whose evocative images captured light&rsquo;s dynamic play with movement, highlighting its ability to evoke emotion. Each of Dancel&rsquo;s photographs was more than an image; it was an invitation to experience light as a constantly evolving force. &ldquo;By collaborating with talents like Colin, we emphasize our commitment to creativity that resonates across cultures,&rdquo; noted Luth Cardano, Louis Poulsen&rsquo;s Brand Manager. It was a reminder that Louis Poulsen&rsquo;s story, while deeply Scandinavian, is also universal&mdash;celebrating artistic expression that transcends borders.

The event also showcased Louis Poulsen&rsquo;s latest collaboration with <a href="https://www.focusglobalinc.com/fendi-casa/">FENDI Casa</a>, a partnership that unites Danish function with Italian luxury. Subtle details, such as FENDI&rsquo;s pequin stripes and yellow glass accents, adorned select Louis Poulsen pieces, creating a sophisticated blend of heritage and modernity. The collection made it clear: true luxury lies not in ostentation but in design that feels intimate, intentional, and crafted to stand the test of time.
For those in attendance, the evening was not only a retrospective of the brand&rsquo;s illustrious past but an immersive journey into its future. From Henningsen&rsquo;s initial innovations in glare-free lighting to Jacobsen&rsquo;s sculptural aesthetics and Panton&rsquo;s organic forms, each piece in the exhibit told a story&mdash;one of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence. Louis Poulsen&rsquo;s pieces embody a commitment to craftsmanship, inviting us to consider lighting not as an afterthought but as a defining element in the spaces we create.

As the evening drew to a close, guests left not only with memories but with a renewed appreciation for lighting as a transformative force. Louis Poulsen&rsquo;s 150-year journey serves as a reminder that true design doesn&rsquo;t follow trends; it sets them, leaving an imprint that deepens with time.
The legacy of Louis Poulsen calls us to embrace lighting that adds meaning to our everyday lives. It urges us to see each glow, each shadow, and each beam as an integral part of the way we experience the world. Louis Poulsen stands as a guiding light in design, illuminating the path toward a future where each fixture, each room, and each moment is thoughtfully crafted to inspire.

Louis Poulsen Celebrates 150 Years of Design Excellence

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