Few lamps have achieved the status of Pipistrello. Designed in 1965 by Gae Aulenti for Martinelli Luce, this sculptural piece has transcended trends, remaining a reference in modern lighting design. Originally created for Olivetti’s Paris showroom, the lamp stood out for its innovative molding techniques, a pioneering approach at the time.
Now, sixty years later, Pipistrello returns in a new matte white edition, adding a fresh, understated elegance to its already iconic form. As Emiliana Martinelli, president of Martinelli Luce, explains: “To celebrate this important anniversary, we have chosen a non-color, white matt, discreet, soft, enveloping, which evokes the atmosphere of a landscape covered by the silence of snow and induces serenity and reflection.”
This new edition accentuates the lamp’s organic silhouette, resembling a sculpture in plaster when switched off. Its opal white satin methacrylate diffuser and satin steel telescope and ring amplify the play of light and shadow, creating a soft, harmonious glow in any space.
In addition to its aesthetic evolution, Pipistrello has adapted to modern needs. The Minipipistrello, introduced in 2013, offers a compact version of the original, while the MiniPipistrello Cordless (2017) brings wireless functionality. For workspaces, the Pipistrello MED provides adjustable height and focus, and the Pipistrello 4.0 (2020) integrates Tunable White LED technology, mimicking the natural variations of daylight.
To mark this milestone, the first 200 pieces of each model—classic, medium, and mini—will be released as a limited, numbered edition with an engraved “60 years” marking and a small Swarovski crystal. This exclusive run, including a matching white power cable and switch, is a tribute to Pipistrello’s long-standing innovation and design legacy.
Whether as a floor or table lamp, Pipistrello remains an object of both function and art, continuously proving that great design is, indeed, timeless.
