Born: 1967.\ Renowned works: Beosound Edge speaker, Tube chandelier, IC lamp, String Light lamp and Arrangement lamp.\ Education: Civil engineer and industrial designer.
Michael Anastassiades was fascinated by Flos's amazing lighting even in his youth. He grew up in a small town in Cyprus where there was a shop selling lamps and lighting. He often went there to admire the many lights of the Italian brand.
The beautiful and bold lamps are often inspired by everyday moments - from a juggler balancing balls perfectly to the way power cables connect electricity pylons in the landscape. Elegant lamps that not only provide a pleasant light, but have a sculptural appearance both on and off. His designs are at first glance incredibly minimalist, but are often stunningly detailed upon closer inspection; mouth-blown glass, bespoke metal and elegant lighting effects.
Anastassiades' career in lighting started as a classic problem: he had just moved into his first home in London, but couldn't find the light he wanted. So he threw himself into designing lamps for the home. The collaboration with Flos started in 2011 when the then CEO, Piero Gandini, was on a trip to New York. Here he suddenly spotted an intriguing object: a lamp that looked nothing like a traditional lamp. He got the information on the designer, who turned out to be Michael Anastassiades. Their first meeting was a 20-minute taxi ride, but that was all it took to start working together.
Despite an early desire to be 'a creative person' when it came to education, his parents had another wish - he should get an education that led to a secure job in finance or marketing. The perception was that an education in the creative and artistic fields always led to an unsuccessful and never a successful career - you had to study something practical so you always had something to come back to, so he chose a degree in civil engineering.
While studying at the College of Science Technology & Medicine in London, he discovered the nearby Royal College of Art. After graduating, he immediately applied to the Royal College of Art as an industrial designer and ended up working in design. After graduating, he set up his studio in London in 1994 and has been designing products that are both technically advanced and incredibly beautiful ever since.
Today, his work can be found in permanent exhibitions around the world. His works are represented at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Art Institute of Chicago, Victoria & Albert Museum, London and MAK in Vienna.