Lof is a textile design studio on Waiheke Island, redefining lighting as soft and sustainable.
Founded by textile designer Sophie Poelman and industrial designer Alain Brideson—partners in life and work—Lof is dedicated to using local materials, and producing locally made lighting products that not only elevates interiors but also supports a more sustainable future for the built environment.
In 2020, Sophie Poelman became aware of the challenges facing the strong wool industry in New Zealand, leading her to question the low prices received by growers amidst a rising issue of plastic textiles waste. She connected with a local Waiheke farmer early on in her journey, and recognised the untapped potential of wool as a magical fibre for interior spaces. This realisation led Sophie to experiment and explore wool's possibilities through a design-led approach. With the support of a government R&D grant, she collaborated with her life and work partner, Alain Brideson, a globally recognised industrial designer passionate about creating dynamic products, to push the boundaries of wool's design possibilities.
Each piece is crafted from certified regenerative wool sourced from Palliser Ridge in the Wairarapa, made entirely in Aotearoa New Zealand, and hand-finished on Waiheke.
As a designer, I believe in selecting materials that not only meet high standards for aesthetics and functionality but also uphold a deep responsibility to the environment. Wool, with its natural beauty and sustainable credentials, perfectly embodies this ethos. — Sophie Poelman, Lof Founder / Designer.
