Lambert & Fils dives into the bold and explosive universe of South Korean designer Kwangho Lee - Bolda is the new and unconventional collection that the Canadian studio unveiled during Milan Design Week 2025 at the Salone Del Mobile. This collaboration pays tribute to craftsmanship, the exchange of ideas, and the harmony of materials.

The Collection

“This project was a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of our practice and create a light fixture that reflects the soul of our two creative worlds,” says Samuel Lambert, founder of Lambert & Fils.

Sheets of polished aluminum, the Canadian studio's trademark material, serve as a backdrop for the enameled copper plates, giving them a sculptural dimension and a unique presence sublimated by a luminous tube. The light, concealed beneath the cover fold, seeps into all the integrated openings, accentuating the edges and junctions of each piece. Punctuated by large circular perforations, Bolda's main body is in constant dialogue with the space around it, shaping its forms according to the observer's point of view and the surrounding colors. The suspension model and the two wall sconces of the collection are also available in a streamlined version – composed solely of polished aluminum sheets, this version offers a minimalist alternative while preserving the essence of the original design.

Kwangho Lee’s approach

For several years now, Kwangho Lee has been perfecting copper enameling, inspired by chilbo, a traditional Korean decorative art. This technique involves applying colored glass powder to metal, then melting it at a high temperature. Chilbo was originally used to decorate small objects, but Lee now adapts it to large-scale furniture pieces. This change of scale gives the enamel a shimmering, irregular effect, which dictated the name of the collection, Bolda – a term evoking tranquil waves and breezes, characteristic of Jeju Island, where Lee lives and finds his inspiration.

Combined with Lambert & Fils' singular expertise, this approach forms the very foundation of their collaboration, giving rise to a creative dialogue where tradition and innovation meet.

The collaboration

"Taking on new challenges and attempts is like sailing on an open sea. Sometimes we face big waves, and sometimes strong winds blow, and I think our collaboration is the same," explains Kwangho Lee. “As the name Bolda implies, I think our voyage has finally found new light on calm and quiet waves."

Pierre Laramée, a prominent figure in Montreal’s design scene and founder of the gallery commissaires, organized Kwangho Lee’s first North American exhibition in 2008. He played a key role in introducing Lee to Samuel Lambert, firmly believing that their mutual admiration would lead to the creation of a remarkable collection. After months of remote design work between Seoul and Montreal, the Korean designer finally joined the Montreal studio, fostering collaboration and precision craftsmanship during an inspiring creative residency. This moment defined Bolda’s identity, allowing Lee to share his expertise in copper enameling and strengthening the bond and trust at the heart of this partnership.

Salone del Mobile - Euroluce
After several years hosting events at Fuorisalone, Lambert & Fils returns to Salone del Mobile (Euroluce, pad 6, stand C-41) to unveil the Bolda collection. Set in a scenography by DWA Design Studio – key partner of the now iconic Caffè Populaire pop-up bars during Milan Design Week – this installation will also showcase the complete Ipoli series. This recent collection, exhibiting pivoting heads mounted on a sleek base, blends contemporary energy with the timeless elegance of task lighting.