Milan, Italy
Originally conceived by Tristan Auer for Cartier’s 2012 Biennale des Antiquaires stand, the Muse collection reimagines the lantern with contemporary lines, inspired by diverse historical sources like Chinese paper lanterns, Parisian street lamps, and Moroccan designs. Tristan Auer’s eclectic vision meets Contardi Lighting’s archi-decorative approach, yielding versatile indoor-outdoor pieces blending formal elegance and advanced technology.
For its 2026 20th anniversary, Contardi renovated the iconic Muse collection, as General Manager Massimo Brigandì states: it honors origins while embracing new tech. Unveiled poetically in Auer’s atelier at Maison & Objet’s January edition, the updated Muse features wired and Nomad models in four finishes—black, bronze, terracotta, cream—with a woven leather handle for effortless portability across tables, poolside, or boat decks.
Technical upgrades shine: wired lamps (medium/large) position lights at the base within ribbed glass diffusers for dynamic, optimal glow; Nomad (wireless, rechargeable, small/medium) radiates soft light from top amber plexiglass. IP65 water-resistant with cataphoresis-treated metal ensures durability.
Muse fuses decorative design, cutting-edge tech, and portability, positioning light as the protagonist in seamless indoor-outdoor narratives—Contardi’s signature story for two decades.
Contardi Lighting: an Italian design leader since 2006, excels in bespoke lighting for hospitality, fine dining, and luxury yachts. Its archi-decorative approach fuses aesthetics and function for global markets. Collaborations with designers like Controvento, Alessandro Munge, and Studiopepe expand its consumer focus. Guided by the Carcano family and GM Massimo Brigandì, it grew internationally, opening Contardi USA in New York in 2015.
Tristan Auer: architect of sensual, distinctive interiors, layers vibrant colors, masterful lighting, and eclectic eras. From Paris’s Hôtel de Crillon and Les Bains to London, New York residences, and Mustique projects, he directs spaces like theater, making clients protagonists in elegant narratives. A French art of living ambassador, Auer blends modern vision with exceptional craftsmanship for contemporary luxury.
