Cover photo: Zenith lamp, design Bastien Taillard
High-quality materials, simple and elegant design, and lamps perfectly balanced between function and decoration—’clean-lined’ meaning minimal ornamentation and sharp form. This captures the essence of Radar Interior, an Italian-French brand that has been offering timeless pieces since 2016. Their wall, floor, and chandelier lamps—’sculptural’ meaning visually striking and three-dimensional, serving as both lighting and art—express the vision of co-founders Francesca Bertini, a Bocconi University international business management graduate from Milan, and Bastien Taillard, who grew up in a creative family and studied at ENSCI in Paris.
Radar Interior is a four-hands design brand. How did you meet? How was the project born, and how do you divide responsibilities?
B.T. «We met in France and had long wanted to launch a creative project together. We wanted to combine and share our cultures — Italian and French — and give them a new hybrid form that would take shape in a brand.»
F.B. «We have well-defined, complementary roles. I oversee marketing, communication, and commercial development. Bastien handles artistic direction, design, and production management. He also knows almost all the artisans personally. At the heart of everything is friendship and mutual respect.»
What defines the style of the brand? How would you describe the “Radar style”?
B.T. «We offer a highly sculptural approach to lighting. Everything is produced in Europe. Glass is our signature material. Now, we are exploring many other materials.»
F.B. «I’d call it an elegant style for those who seek something unique. Our team handmakes each piece in Europe. All are fully customizable. Each lamp can become a special gem in a project.»
You use many refined materials: brass, thermoformed glass, marble. Who do you rely on for the artisanal production that gives your products their sophistication?
B.T. «We work with top master artisans for each material. The brass is made in Italy. The plaster mold is crafted in Paris. The glass comes from Poland. This network of local artisans helps us control production and quality.»
If you had to name a signature lamp for the brand, which would it be and why?
B.T. «Definitely the Fractal lamp. It was one of our first creations, and I love the way it interacts with the room’s light and reflections — it creates something truly special.»
At first, Bastien designed all the pieces. Then you began working with international designers. Why this opening, and how do you choose your collaborators? What do external minds bring to your vision?
F.B. «The idea came from Bastien. He wanted to see how other creatives could reinterpret the brand’s vision using their own methods. We choose collaborators through our personal network and by reviewing their past work. We always seek an affinity of spirit.»
You’ve curated several interior design projects. Which do you consider the most interesting?
B.T. «I’d say the most notable recent ones are Hotel Regina Louvre in Paris and the Cartier stores worldwide.
What’s next for Radar Interior? How do you see the brand evolving in the coming years?
F.B. «Radar will continue its path of excellence and uniqueness. We always prioritize people: clients, suppliers, designers, and all who share our passion and values. We will continue to enhance European savoir-faire through the ideas of inspired designers. Our goal is to create unique objects that add elegance, originality, and customization to each project.»
Where can people discover and buy your creations in Italy?
F.B. «Radar’s distribution in Italy, as elsewhere, is quite exclusive. We often sell directly to maintain personal relationships with our clients. We also have resellers and brand ambassadors throughout the country ready to help. In Milan, our work is shown at Pollice Illuminazione and Garavaglia Arredamenti. In Rome, we are launching a new collaboration with a special space, details of which will be revealed soon. More resellers are on our website. We are always happy to be contacted directly.»
