ITALY — In a significant move that bridges independent contemporary design with industrial manufacturing, renowned Italian lighting manufacturer Flos has announced that it will produce and distribute a curated selection of designs originally developed under Michael Anastassiades’ own eponymous brand. This strategic integration marks a major chapter in a creative and commercial relationship that first commenced more than a decade ago in 2011.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Flos will incorporate a carefully chosen portfolio of lighting products from the designer’s independent brand directly into its official catalogue. While Flos will now assume full responsibility for the manufacturing and global distribution of these pieces, both companies have emphasized that the primary goal of the transition is to preserve the distinct identity, craftsmanship, and pure design language that define Anastassiades’ independent collections, all while dramatically broadening their international availability and market reach.
As of the initial announcement, Flos has not yet publicly identified the specific products that will enter its comprehensive catalogue, nor has it provided a detailed timetable for when the transition will take place. However, the official statement confirms that the selected designs will smoothly transition into the robust manufacturing and distribution network that has established Flos as a global leader in contemporary lighting design.
Piero Gandini, Executive Chairman and Artistic Supervisor of the Flos B&B Italia Group, described the inclusion of the designer’s independent works as an organic progression of a long-standing creative alliance. Reflecting on the evolution of their shared history, Gandini noted that bringing these pieces into the corporate fold is the natural consequence of a collaboration that has flourished over the past ten years.
Echoing these sentiments, Michael Anastassiades shared his perspective on the milestone agreement, viewing it as a seamless evolution of his career’s trajectory. The designer remarked that it feels entirely natural for the pieces he has meticulously developed under his own name over the past twenty years to find their continuing path forward alongside Flos.
The foundational roots of the partnership between Anastassiades and Flos stretch back to 2011, following a pivotal meeting between the designer and Piero Gandini. That initial encounter catalyzed a creative synergy that quickly yielded some of the most iconic lighting designs of the modern era. In 2013, the duo officially launched their very first collections for the Italian manufacturer, introducing the design world to the striking geometry of String Lights and the poetic minimalism of IC Lights. Both collections achieved immediate critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing a benchmark for contemporary architectural lighting.
Following the triumphant debut of their first joint collections, the partnership continued to produce innovative works that pushed the boundaries of material and form. In 2015, they released Captain Flint, a versatile floor lamp that further solidified their collaborative momentum. This was followed in 2018 by Overlap, a sophisticated suspension lamp that made brilliant artistic and technical use of Flos’ proprietary Cocoon material, a translucent polymer spray-coating that diffuses light with a soft, ethereal quality. The same year also saw the introduction of Arrangements, a groundbreaking modular decorative lighting system that allowed architects and interior designers to compose bespoke sculptural lighting configurations from geometric rings and linear elements.
Beyond his celebrated work with Flos, Michael Anastassiades’ wider professional practice spans a diverse and multidisciplinary spectrum, encompassing lighting, furniture, everyday objects, and ambitious spatial and architectural installations. His overarching design philosophy is characterized by a rigorous reduction of form, combined with a deep appreciation for materials. His work frequently bridges the gap between industrial production techniques and traditional craft-based methods, resulting in objects that possess both high-precision engineering and a profound human warmth.
The newly announced arrangement successfully bridges this independent body of work with Flos’ established commercial portfolio, ensuring that these distinctive creations will continue to be produced to the highest standards of quality. By integrating a selection of Anastassiades’ heritage collection into its distribution network, Flos reinforces its ongoing commitment to supporting visionary contemporary designers and bringing exceptional, timeless lighting solutions to discerning audiences around the world.
