Stilnovo

Stilnovo: A Pillar of Italian Mid-Century Lighting Design
Stilnovo is one of the most iconic names in the history of Italian lighting design, founded in Milan in 1946 by Bruno Gatta. The brand played a central role in the post-war modernist movement, helping define the aesthetics of the mid-20th century with lighting that fused technological innovation, minimalist form, and architectural elegance.

From its earliest years, Stilnovo broke away from classical traditions, embracing a modernist vision that emphasized functionality, clean geometry, and the innovative use of industrial materials like aluminum, brass, glass, and lacquered steel. This forward-thinking approach aligned the brand with the futuristic optimism of the Atomic Age and the emerging Space Age design language.

Stilnovo's success was also due to its collaborations with some of the most influential designers of the era, including Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Joe Colombo, Gaetano Sciolari, and Angelo Gaiani. Together, they created some of the brand’s most iconic designs, such as the Sputnik chandeliers, the Periscopio lamp, and various wall and ceiling fixtures defined by kinetic, geometric, and modular aesthetics.

Throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, Stilnovo remained a benchmark of Italian creativity and industrial craftsmanship, producing lighting that was not only functional but also deeply sculptural and expressive. While production declined in the 1980s, the brand's legacy endured—its vintage lamps becoming highly collectible and featured in galleries, auctions, and curated interiors worldwide.

In 2019, Stilnovo was acquired by Linea Light Group, marking a new chapter in its story. The brand relaunched with a curated selection of reissued classics and new designs inspired by its historic catalog, reinforcing its reputation as a symbol of timeless Italian design.

Today, Stilnovo continues to shine—both literally and symbolically—as a pioneer that transformed the world of lighting through design, innovation, and a visionary spirit that remains just as relevant as it was nearly a century ago.

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