The Bethan Laura Wood Chandelier Reworks the Historic Zénith
Amy Duong — May 4, 2026 — Art & Design
References: dezeen
Bethan Laura Wood chandelier for Baccarat reinterprets the brand’s 19th-century Zénith design as a modular vertical system unveiled at Milan Design Week 2026. The structure replaces the traditional tiered form with star-shaped metal supports suspended on fine wires, allowing crystal elements to appear as if they are floating. Clear and colored crystals in tones like olivine, violet, turquoise, and amber are arranged across the framework, combining Baccarat’s heritage detailing with new geometric compositions.
The system is designed to be configurable, with components that can form single rings or expand into stacked chandelier compositions. Presented within the “Crystal Crypt” installation in Milan’s Brera district, the piece sits inside a scenographic environment that blends science fiction references with traditional craftsmanship. Mirror elements and layered arrangements create a vortex-like visual effect.
Image Credit: Philippe Garcia
The system is designed to be configurable, with components that can form single rings or expand into stacked chandelier compositions. Presented within the “Crystal Crypt” installation in Milan’s Brera district, the piece sits inside a scenographic environment that blends science fiction references with traditional craftsmanship. Mirror elements and layered arrangements create a vortex-like visual effect.
Image Credit: Philippe Garcia
Trend Themes
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Modular Lighting Systems — A configurable vertical system that stacks and reconfigures components suggests platforms for customizable, scalable lighting ecosystems.
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Floating Crystal Aesthetics — Suspended crystals on fine wires generating levitating visuals point to new material and mounting methods that alter perceived lightness and spatial dynamics.
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Heritage-reinterpretation Fusion — Blending 19th-century motifs with science-fiction scenography indicates hybrid-design products that combine archival craftsmanship with contemporary forms.
Industry Implications
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Luxury Lighting — High-end crystal fixtures reimagined as modular systems indicate market demand for collectible, upgradeable statement luminaires.
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Interior-architecture and Installations — Site-specific scenography and vortex-like layering imply immersive spatial treatments that integrate lighting as central structural language.
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Smart-home and Iot Lighting — Configurable chandelier components suggest opportunities for networked, adaptive fixtures that respond to environment and user preferences.
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