Pipistrello (Martinelli Luce)

This is the lamp I think about every time I see a bad one. The Pipistrello by Gae Aulenti has been in continuous production since 1965 — the telescoping stem adjusts height, the shade is opal methacrylate, and the whole thing has this quietly dramatic wingspan quality that photographs beautifully but is even better in person. It comes in agave green, purple red, satin brass, titanium, and more. It’s an investment piece in the truest sense — this is the lamp you keep.