Mirei Monticelli's Biomorphic Lamps Blend Sculpture and Utility

Milan-based Filipina designer Mirei Monticelli creates hand-woven banana leaf lamps that blur the line between sculpture and utility. The biodegradable structures are crafted from Banaca fabric, made from Abacá fiber sourced from the Philippines. Monticelli's studio collaborates with a community of weavers in Bicol province, Luzon, emphasizing a relational approach to material development. The term Banaca, coined by Monticelli, merges modern design with centuries-old heritage techniques. Her practice also incorporates garment construction methods learned from her mother, a fashion designer, evident in the draping and volume-building of the lamps. Last month, she unveiled 'Pleasure Garden' at Milan Design Week. She frequently collaborates with interior designers, hospitality partners, and architectural studios.