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Few brands stand as tall in modern lighting design as Tom Dixon. Known for their avant-garde aesthetic and innovative techniques, Tom Dixon’s designs consistently push boundaries. One of their most captivating creations is the Melt lighting collection, which recently had the spotlight turned on in a photoshoot at the Shelter location in London, a property represented by Shootfactory.
The Melt collection is a range of striking lighting pieces that are as much art as they are functional objects. Collaboratively designed with the Swedish design collective FRONT, Melt Lights explores imperfection and organic forms. Each piece in the collection, from pendants to chandeliers and table lamps, evokes a sense of natural wonder—whether it’s the appearance of molten glass, a melting glacier, or the enigmatic beauty of deep space.
At the heart of this collection is a unique optical effect that captures light in a fascinatingly distorted way. The half-metallised surfaces of the lights create an ethereal glow, casting light that transforms spaces with a mesmerising play of reflectivity and transparency. These optical illusions are achieved through cutting-edge processes like blow moulding and vacuum metallisation, perfected in collaboration with leading German engineers. The result is a lamp that is visually arresting whether switched on or off, with a hyper-reflective surface that creates a dramatic effect in any setting.
Choosing the right location is essential to any product shoot, and for the Melt collection, Shelter in London was the ideal setting. A contemporary architectural gem, Shelter combines minimalist interiors with striking design features, offering a blank canvas that allows the product to shine. The open-plan spaces are flooded with natural light, thanks to the property’s courtyard and large sliding glass doors, creating an atmosphere that perfectly complements the reflective and translucent nature of the Melt lights.
The central courtyard at Shelter is a highlight in itself. A living wall of greenery rises dramatically at the basement level, providing a lush backdrop of vibrant texture. This juxtaposition of sleek, modern architecture with organic elements mirrors the very ethos of the Melt collection, where natural forms meet human craftsmanship. The home’s gallery-like entryway and footbridge add to the architectural drama, offering multiple perspectives and framing opportunities that enhance the photography.
The beauty of the Melt lighting collection lies in its transformative power. The lights create an almost otherworldly glow, and capturing this in still photography requires both skill and the right environment. At Shelter, the abundance of natural light allowed the product to be photographed in different moods—whether capturing the soft, metallic sheen of the lights during daylight hours or the warm, translucent glow they emit when illuminated in the evening.
The smooth, reflective surfaces of the Melt pieces posed a unique challenge and opportunity. The half-metallised finish, inspired by the mirror-like effects seen in fashion and even on luxury car windscreens, demands a setting that highlights this dynamic quality. Shelter’s open, flowing spaces, combined with the large windows, allowed the natural interplay of reflections, shadows, and diffused light to bring out the full range of optical effects.
The Melt lights created a sense of fluidity, particularly in the living areas and courtyard. Their organic shapes echoed the fluid lines of the property’s architecture, creating a seamless visual connection between product and place. The inclusion of greenery from the living wall also provided a rich contrast to the industrial, high-tech materials of the lights, emphasising the duality of nature and design.
The synergy between Tom Dixon’s Melt collection and the Shelter location cannot be overstated. Both are rooted in a philosophy of pushing boundaries in design or architectural space. Shelter’s minimalist yet dramatic style amplified the impact of the Melt lights, creating a photoshoot that was not just about showcasing a product but about creating an immersive experience.
Shootfactory ensured that the photographs captured every detail of the Melt collection’s unique qualities by choosing a location in London that offered both natural light and striking architectural features. The fluid shapes of the lights harmonised with the building’s clean lines, and the half-metallised surfaces reflected the surrounding environment in ways that seemed almost alive.
The product shoot of the Tom Dixon Melt collection at Shelter in London is a perfect example of how location and design can enhance one another. Melt’s distinct blend of organic imperfection and cutting-edge technology was beautifully framed against a modern, minimalist home that echoed the same design principles. The result is a set of images that showcase the product and tell a story of innovation, artistry, and the power of light to transform space.
For those in search of a location that elevates the beauty of any high-concept design, Shelter offers an ideal venue. And for those captivated by the bold aesthetics of the Melt collection, Tom Dixon’s products continue to push the boundaries of what lighting can be, offering a dynamic combination of art, technology, and functional design.