Even the prestigious The New York Times has taken notice and dedicated an article to the ‘Pina pro’ phenomenon, the cordless and rechargeable LED lamp that is literally blowing up on coffee tables in the Big Apple (starting with the Cipriani Downtown). A design object and a Made In Italy success, it was created by the Italian company Zafferano srl, which produces a universe of objects for indoor and outdoor living, such as lighting fixtures, portable lamps and table accessories made of coloured glass and ceramics.
Glass and design
Zafferano Srl was founded in 2001 by Federico De Majo, born in 1955, who grew up in his family’s furnace in Murano, a great connoisseur of glass and a design enthusiast.
The company’s name evokes optimism and the ability to see the positive side of every situation. In addition to lamps, it produces furnishing objects and glasses, which were chosen in 2010 to represent Italy at the Shanghai Expo.
A minimalist look that combines aesthetics and functionality
Traditionally, design objects combine aesthetics and functionality and are designed to offer an emotional experience. They are often also designed to solve a problem, and this is precisely our case! The idea arose from the poor lighting conditions in which the many outdoor tables in the City, placed there in large numbers in the wake of the pandemic, were found.
Pina’s success began when the president of subsidiary Zafferano America placed one on a Cipriani Downtown table: it was love at first sight, or rather, first light! The lamp, with a silhouette reminiscent of a candle, is minimalist, elegant, and easily adaptable to any interior style. It has a contact recharging base and touch controls for easy and intuitive use.
But ‘Pina’ is not the only successful lamp designed and manufactured by Zafferano. The two models ‘Pencil’ and ‘Liquid Light’ were selected by the ADI Permanent Design Observatory, while ‘Poldina’ soon became the leader in cordless lamps.
Today, Zafferano Srl is headquartered in Quinto di Treviso. The CEO is Federico De Majo; the company has a turnover of 35 million euros and around 40 employees.
Congratulations to those who bring Italian design lighting to the world!
Learn about other outstanding companies of Made in Italy design.