Planet Pendants Ensemble, Ludovic Clément D’armont

Finding inspiration in a range of subjects that includes mathematics and insects, French lighting designer Ludovic Clément d’Armont prioritizes design that is ethical and sustainable and, in doing so, invites a deeper conversation on how we light our spaces. 

Born in northern France, d’Armont is an artist who studied engineering at École Centrale Paris. In 2009, he established the lighting design studio Semeur d’Étoiles in Viroflay. Working with mouth-blown glass, crystal, brass and porcelain, the artisans at Semeur d’Étoiles create sculptural, statement-making fixtures by hand from recycled materials. 

The studio’s self-proclaimed signature — a soothing French Art de Vivre style, with a modern human-centric approach — has yielded a series of lighting fixtures that are named for planets, a line that celebrates June’s birthstone and sculptural lamps and pendants that draw on the animal kingdom. Semeur d’Étoiles chandeliers and wall lights are conversation starters, not only for the designs’ unique forms, which so frequently draw on nature and on pearl jewelry — see the studio’s Spider floor lamp and Pearl Necklace pendants — but also for the thought and care that guides each step of the brand’s manufacturing process. 

D’Armont, who has cited Brazil’s Campana Brothers as an influence on his work, comes from a long line of glassmakers and carpenters, and his commitment to craft characterizes every one-of-a-kind fixture that is produced at Semeur d’Étoiles. Packaging, shipping, the energy consumption that is associated with manufacturing, how easily and efficiently an item can be repaired, and sustainable sourcing — these are all factors that anchor the work being done at d’Armont’s studio. In order to operate in an environmentally sound way, the company works with manufacturing experts and with ADEME, a French agency that advises businesses on implementing sustainable practices.

Eco-conscious buyers, collectors and luxury boutiques around the world support d’Armont and the mission at Semeur d’Étoiles. The studio has partnered with decorator and furniture designer Vincent Darré, French architects Bismut & Bismut and British architecture firm State of Craft.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Ludovic Clément d’Armont lighting and wall decorations.