Captivating Functionality – ILANEL Design Studio

Words by Olivia Hides
Images Courtesy of ILANEL Design Studio

Combining artistic value with a practical approach, ILANEL Design Studio embodies quality design. Placing emphasis on innovation, playfulness and colour, ILANEL showcases a distinct appreciation for the material and an innate sense for craftsmanship. This May, a selection of the company’s latest collectible designs will be celebrated at the Melbourne Design Fair and Design Week shows.

Based in Melbourne, ILANEL tailors conceptual ideas into functional and dynamic lighting. The product design company was originally formed in 2010 with the aim to compose bespoke, contemporary pieces alongside homeowners, architects and interior designers. Whilst each design elicits a distinct magnetism, the company places emphasis on quality engineering, creating lighting that is not only captivating but also functional. This intuitive understanding of material, form and function allows ILANEL to anticipate the needs and desires of clients through a customised design service, embodying the belief that no design concept is impossible.

With a reputation for creativity and quality, ILANEL has collaborated on several projects across Australia.

With a reputation for creativity and quality, ILANEL has collaborated on several projects across Australia. As part of LIGHTART – a sculptural exploration of art and science – ILANEL collaborated with First Nations artist Jenna Lee to create a selection of illuminating lanterns, Balarr, for NGV Melbourne Now. Another LIGHTART collaboration for NGV Triennial saw the brand work with Cecilie Bendixen to create a series of softly glowing, cloud-like pieces. ILANEL has also worked on several commercial projects, such as FALLING LEAVES in The Playford Hotel reception in Adelaide and SUPERNOVA 2.5 at The Lion Richlands in Brisbane, as well as custom lighting for both Brick Lane Brewing and Jayda Bar in Melbourne. Whilst the company is able to produce bespoke creations on a commercial scale, ILANEL also works in residential spaces, collaborating closely with clients to provide tailored lighting solutions.

This May, a selection of the brand’s latest collectible designs will be presented at the Melbourne Design Fair – including SUPERNOVA, FLASH, ORA 2.0 and LUMINISM – and will celebrate ILANEL’s exclusive approach to light. SUPERNOVA exemplifies its namesake and projects a powerful, bright light; for the first time, the fair will showcase a brass luminaire 1.5 metres in diameter. Additionally, standing 1.5 metres tall, the minimal yet sculptural pendant FLASH employs bold strokes, embodying the striking nature of a lightning bolt. As its name suggests, ORA 2.0 is an extension of the original piece commissioned by the National Gallery of Victoria and features a dual inner and outer glow. Finally, LUMINISM radiates colour and light by evoking a meditative stillness, featuring a Slow Art triptych of the horizon at Port Phillip Bay.

This May, a selection of the brand’s latest collectible designs will be presented at the Melbourne Design Fair – including SUPERNOVA, FLASH, ORA 2.0 and LUMINISM – and will celebrate ILANEL’s exclusive approach to light.

Highlighting a selection of products – from furniture to lighting to homewares – the Melbourne Design Fair will take place from May 18 – 21 and will be the flagship event for Melbourne Design Week. ILANEL Founder Ilan El will also curate a group show for Melbourne Design Week called FRAGILE, inspired by art’s ability to transform, guide and provoke, showcasing a collection of handblown glass cannon vases.

ILANEL is committed to crafting and producing bespoke pieces for clients. Despite being solutions-based, ILANEL does not shy away from creativity, constantly pushing the limit on what lighting could and should be. Experience the brand’s latest collectible designs at the 2023 Melbourne Design Fair this May.