Contemporary Dutch designers have been distinctly innovative in their experimentation with materials. As an example of this trend, Rody Graumans employed simple, readily available components — eighty-five black electrical cords, sockets, and lightbulbs — to create this striking chandelier. Gathered in a unified bundle at the ceiling, the cords flare out to accommodate the mass of bulbs below.

This piece was included in Droog Design’s first collection. Droog has captured much attention for its stance against consumerism and its use of industrial and recycled materials. The collective initially caught the interest of international critics in 1993 with an exhibition at the Milan Furniture Fair, where founders Gijs Bakker and Renny Ramakers presented work by a number of Dutch designers who share the same, essentially minimalist, approach.