David Pompa redefines handcrafted lighting through material contrast
The Cilia Pendant by David Pompa exemplifies the studio’s philosophy of merging traditional craft with contemporary design, using materiality as both a medium and message. Handwoven from palma, a natural Mexican fiber, and paired with precise aluminium components, the pendant stands as a sculptural lighting piece that balances contrasting elements.
The fine organic weave of the palma shade creates a tactile softness, while the engineered structure of the metal gives the object form and stability. This interplay between raw and refined materials forms a design language that feels both timeless and innovative.
The pendant’s functionality is subtly integrated into its aesthetics. By rotating the palma shade, users can direct the light and modulate the ambiance, creating a warm, diffused glow that enhances any space. This simple yet transformative gesture speaks to the studio’s focus on interaction, inviting users to engage with the object beyond passive observation. The light is not just a source of illumination, but a participant in the environment, shifting with the needs and moods of the moment.
Studio David Pompa, founded in 2008, has built a global reputation from its base in Mexico City, guided by a deep respect for local heritage and artisanal methods. Every piece is the result of dialogue—between cultures, between materials, and between makers and designers. The Cilia Pendant is no exception, celebrating Mexico’s rich tradition of handcraft while reinterpreting it through contemporary design sensibilities. The result is a lighting object that speaks both of place and possibility.
In every detail, the pendant reflects a deliberate exploration of imperfection as beauty. The irregularities of the handwoven palm are embraced rather than concealed, giving each piece its own identity. This ethos of authenticity is central to the studio’s approach: imperfections are marks of process, time, and human touch, not flaws. Craft becomes a means of storytelling, with each material bearing the weight of its origin and the intention of its transformation.
Sustainability is embedded in the making of the Cilia Pendant, aligning with the studio’s commitment to conscious design. By sourcing natural and recycled materials and working in close collaboration with skilled artisans, the David Pompa studio ensures that each piece not only honors traditional practices but also supports economic and cultural sustainability. The design is built to last—repairable, adaptable, and relevant across generations.
The international composition of the studio’s team brings a broad perspective to their work, blending engineering precision with artistic experimentation. This collaborative spirit allows for a holistic process, where every element—from product development to visual storytelling—is cohesively aligned. The Cilia Pendant embodies this integrated vision, where craftsmanship, sustainability, and design excellence converge to create a luminaire that transcends trends.
David Pompa’s vision continues to bridge cultures and disciplines. Born to an Austrian father and a Mexican mother, and educated in London, Pompa brings a multifaceted approach to design. His discovery of barro negro in Oaxaca ignited a lifelong passion for Mexican materials and craft, forming the foundation for the studio’s evolving body of work. The Cilia Pendant captures this journey: it is not only a light fixture, but a sculptural artifact that encapsulates a philosophy—one that sees design as a dialogue between heritage and innovation.
All images courtesy of David Pompa
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