'Hecate' lamp collection echoes the Greek goddesses’ role as a guardian and guide

A tabletop lamp, floor lamp and a pendant lamp comprise the Hecate lighting collection, which blends modern design with ancient Greek mysticism. Created by Studio Aristotelis Barakos and Aumorfia, an Athens-based leather goods brand, these handcrafted lamp designs use leather, stitched along the edges, to form a modern interpretation of a sleek tripod with a radiant sphere suspended within. This collection is a prime example of how furniture design draws from and intersects with art and culture. Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, the lighting designs merge age-old stories with contemporary aesthetics.

The journey to create the Hecate lighting collection began when Theano Ravazoula-Potamianou (founder of Aumorfia), reached out to the studio's founder, Aristotelis Barakos, with an initiative to combine their skills. She introduced him to the fascinating world of leather, a material he hadn’t worked extensively with. The collection was conceived during a meeting at Aumorfia's shop in downtown Athens, Greece. Ravazoula-Potamianou's passion for leather and deep knowledge of its properties captivated Barakos.

"The process of overcoming the technical challenges and the excitement of working with a new material, which Theano masters so well, fueled our creative process to develop this collection," the lighting designer recalls.

Named after Hecate, the revered ancient Greek goddess for magic, witchcraft, necromancy and sorcery, this collection pays homage to her multifaceted nature. Worshipped as the protector of homes and crossroads, she is also a goddess of the moon and the underworld. She is often depicted as three maidens facing different directions, a symbolism that is artfully integrated into the product designs.

The top view of the pieces reveals a composition of three arcs, forming parts of three identical circles that are tangent to each other. By connecting the centres of these circles, an equilateral triangle is created, alluding to the three-faced depiction of the Triple Goddess. The design is a visual and structural expression of equilibrium, grounded in symmetrical geometric principles. Three curved leather pieces circumscribe the circles and cradle the illuminated opaline sphere at their centre, resulting in a mesmerising abstraction that evokes both, the mystical symbolism of the three-faced goddess and the celestial dance of the moon.

A spiritual connection to nature deeply influences the industrial designer's creative process. “Nature is my canvas. You will find me observing the smallest details, sometimes for hours, collecting things that at first may [seem to] not have any value, but still attract me,” he tells STIR. This affinity for a certain aspect of paganism—reverence for nature and the divine feminine—infuses his designs with intuitive and nurturing qualities. In the Hecate collection, these manifest through intricate geometric forms and leather's tactility, creating luminous, timeless contemporary design pieces.

Through an emphasis on minimalism, symmetry and precision, Barakos and Ravazoula-Potamianou iteratively refined their designs through open dialogue and prototype testing, achieving cohesive and visually striking pieces that seamlessly blend industrial design with leathercraft.

Leather being the primary material introduced unique challenges and opportunities for Barakos: it is flexible yet strong, requiring precise handling to achieve the desired structural integrity. One of the main challenges was selecting the right type of leather with the appropriate thickness and hardness, robust enough to stand on its own and hold the glass sphere without deforming, while maintaining the elegant, sleek look envisioned by the product designer. Collaborative efforts and several trials and errors with their leather manufacturer led to the development of a custom leather type that met their specific requirements.

Beyond function, the pieces embody a narrative journey through light and symbolism. Each lamp tells a story of transformation and guidance, echoing the mythical themes of Hecate’s role as a guardian and guide. From the subtle curvature of leather to the ethereal glow of opaline spheres, every element in the collection contributes to a coherent narrative inviting contemplation on the intersection of myth, art and everyday life. As a result, the lamps not only illuminate spaces but also spark conversations about the enduring power of storytelling in design.

The Hecate collection leverages leather's natural qualities, crafting it into forms that are structurally sound and visually appealing. Handcrafted in Athens, Greece, each piece reflects a commitment to artisanal quality and traditional craftsmanship, a far cry from the commonly found mass-produced items. Whether as a centrepiece in a minimalist living space or a subtle accent in a modern office setting, the lamps offer flexibility and adaptability in placement and function, to enhance user experience. The soft, ambient glow emitted by the opaline spheres creates an inviting atmosphere, while the warmth of leather adds a tactile dimension.

With the Hecate collection, Barakos and Ravazoula-Potamianou have fashioned luminous artefacts that breathe new life into age-old stories. As interest in bespoke and culturally resonant products continues to grow, the lights prompt us to consider: what new narratives might emerge when art and design embrace the storied echoes of our past?