There is something almost otherworldly about a lamp that seems to breathe. Filipina designer based in Milan Mirai Monticelli has mastered this magic, creating Banaca biomorphic lighting that blurs the line between functional furniture and fine art. Her pieces don’t just sit in one room. they wave and dance, glowing with a quiet, organic energy.
The secret behind these sculptural forms lies in their DNA – specifically, a material called Banaca. It’s a term Monticelli coined to describe a unique blend of modern design and hand-made weaving Abaca fiber. Hailing from Bicol Province in the Philippines, it is not just a supply chain. is a deep-rooted Philippine cultural heritage project. Monticelli works directly with local weavers, transforming a painstaking, community tradition into contemporary masterpieces.
“The human rhythm is what gives the material its character,” says Monticelli. “That’s why every piece feels alive.”
You can feel the influence of her mother—a fashion designer—in every curve. Instead of traditional carpentry, Monticelli uses techniques such as draping and bulking, treating the fabric almost like a haute couture dress for the light. This ‘physical’ essence is precisely what made the ‘Pleasure Garden’ installation such a hit at Milan Design Week last month.
Whether hanging from the ceiling or standing in a corner, these handcrafted lamps bring a piece of the Philippines to the world stage. They serve as a beautiful reminder that when we honor our roots, the results are absolutely luminous.
Want to see these glowing giants in action? Check out Monticelli’s latest work Instagram!
