Australian-born product designer and lighting specialist Leah Martin is set to debut her new lighting collection exclusively through Bloomingdales Lighting in April. 

Leah Martin with one of her designs from the Remmy collection

The new three-piece Remmy collection explores the contrast between functionality and aesthetics, steering light in various directions to the user’s discretion, with a notable Bauhaus influence.

It is this movement of light and the operable characteristics that give the collection its name, ‘Remmy’ – derived from its French meaning of ‘oarsman’ – articulating the forward motion of the light source. 

Remmy table lamp

Remmy floor lamp

Remmy wall light side and front view

Martin envisions her pieces in a space that compliments its moody feel, describing a brooding interior as its perfect companion. 

“Exploring a deep bronze, gold leaf and a brand-new finish called ‘aged brass’, the new collection belongs in an earthy setting that embraces rich timbers, warm browns and olive greens, and set against natural fibres like wool, cotton and rattan,” she says.

Inspiration for the Remmy collection

This collection marks Martin’s first time using directional light, which ultimately guided the design concept. 

“I intertwined the idea of going somewhere, rowing and driving a direction with the way the piece is used,” Martin says.

The Remmy collection belongs in earthy setting, according to designer Leah Martin

Martin’s approach to design was profoundly influenced by her time spent in Germany and Canada. At Hochschule Wismar, where she studied her masters of architectural lighting, Martin began exploring the interplay of light, specifically in the public experience and installation realms. This was paired with a playful exploration of reflection, materials and projection.

The Remmy collection draws inspiration from those experimental phases, using materials like aged brass, a deep almost black polished bronze and gold foil accents to add depth, highlights and light casting.

Path to creation

Martin began with Bloomingdales Lighting in 2019 initially in a lighting manufacturer and supplier capacity, which led her to take on the role of director of design and operations. 

Sarai and Zaya lamps from Martin’s previous collections with Bloomingdales Lighting

She gained industry recognition for her conceptual approach to light as a visual experience rather than its singular historic function. 

“I respond the most to the way things make me feel. Rather than identifying specific design references, I often have to physically arrange or experience light within a space to identify whether or not it feels right,” she says.

Designer recognised in ADR’s 30UNDER30 shortlist

Last year, Martin was recognised in the Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 shortlist, a program that showcases the nation’s most inspiring and promising interior and product designers aged 30 and under.

Martin was recognised in Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 shortlist in 2024

Martin’s collection will showcase at the annual Bloomingdales Lighting 2025 installation in May. She is currently working on a fourth collection to launch in 2026.

View Martin’s collections here.

Photography supplied.

Read more on ADR’s shortlisted 30UNDER30 designers.