Stilnovo

Italy’s Legacy of Avant-Garde Lighting Design

Founded in 1946 by visionary designer Bruno Gatta, Stilnovo emerged in post-war Milan as a revolutionary force in lighting design. With a name that translates to “New Style,” Stilnovo was born out of a desire to redefine form, function, and aesthetics in lighting, producing fixtures that reflected Italy’s bold new era of creativity. Gatta and his team brought together some of Italy’s most influential designers—Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Joe Colombo, Ettore Sottsass, and Gae Aulenti, to name a few—who saw lighting as an art form and embraced materials and techniques that broke away from tradition.

Stilnovo’s innovative designs quickly gained attention, with pieces displayed at prestigious events like the Triennale di Milano and later securing a permanent place in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Renowned collections such as Joe Colombo’s Bazooka, the Castiglioni brothers’ Saliscendi, and Ettore Sottsass’s Don captured the era’s avant-garde spirit, pairing functionality with sleek, minimalist elegance.

Through decades of success, Stilnovo’s dedication to Italian craftsmanship and timeless design cemented its position as a pioneer in the lighting industry. Although production paused in 1988, the brand’s legacy lives on under the Linea Light Group, which acquired Stilnovo in 2019. Today, Stilnovo continues to illuminate spaces around the world with re-released icons from its storied past, along with new designs that honor its enduring commitment to innovation and artistic expression.

For those inspired by Ponti’s unparalleled talent and innovative designs, AP Mid-Century Modern invites you to explore our collection of authentic Gio Ponti pieces. Join us in celebrating the art of living beautifully, with a touch of Italian design and effortless chic that only Gio Ponti could provide.

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