Inga Sempé

Her creations appear simple and light, yet they are crafted using a precise and carefully considered technique. Born in Paris in 1968, she studied design at the École nationale supérieure de création industrielle and, after a brief stint working in interior design studios, she moved to Italy. Whilst still young, she was convinced that ‘one must prove oneself elsewhere’ in order to subsequently make a name for oneself on the French scene. Inga then spent two years in Rome as a resident at the Villa Medici and began collaborating with Cappellini. On her return to France, she opened her own practice in Paris and, in 2002, was awarded the City of Paris Grand Prix du Design.

Over the years, Inga Sempé has refined her approach, drawing more on her Danish roots and her Italian experience than on the artistic traditions of her fellow French citizens. Viewing French design as anachronistic, geared towards mass production and devoid of meaning, she advocates a return to craftsmanship. Inga Sempé considers it essential to understand how to make objects, starting from the raw structure to achieve beautiful results. Indeed, whilst her works appear playful, they are crafted with impeccable technique.

For the ‘Matin’ lighting collection, she has created a range of highly original table lamps that blend a traditional, understated Danish style with a rather modern twist. The lamp’s structure is highly functional, yet its pleated, umbrella-shaped shade lends it a light-hearted and playful feel. The Hay wall-mounted mirror is far more understated, featuring a minimalist yet appealing design thanks to the fluidity of its composition and the small splash of colour from the ribbon that softens its edges. It is a discreet and elegant collection that can adapt to any type of interior.