Caterpillar, Floor Lamp Sculpture, Vincent Darré and 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.

Galerie Philia is an international contemporary sculptural design and art gallery representing emerging and established designers and artists. The gallery is the brainchild of two brothers who share a lifetime passion for art, literature and philosophy. Their distinct academic background sets them apart from their peers, as it sees them following a rhizomatic and transcultural approach in the way they select works. This involves combining elements from multiple cultures in what becomes a network of harmoniously interconnected roots, ultimately revealing the beauty of each unique creation. The gallery’s non-hierarchical curation sits apart from the ephemerality of trends and focuses instead on the true aesthetic quality of the piece – alluring and timeless. Unlike others, Galerie Philia does not focus on a single style – whether minimalist, organic or raw – but rather embraces heterogeneity. The Galerie Philia takes pride in discovering new talents, providing them with multiple international platforms to showcase their latest creations. As well as propelling the newest generation of 21st century collectible design, Galerie Philia also works with internationally known design artists. Galerie Philia has a strong international presence, with galleries in Geneva, New York and Singapore. In addition to their permanent spaces, the gallery organizes temporary group exhibitions and artists residencies in first-class locations around the world.