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The "Nessino" design icon from Artemide goes viral - and so does the cheeky copy

29.1.2024

Translation: machine translated

The "Nessino" light is celebrating a comeback. Also as a fake version. The small but subtle differences between the dupes and what affordable alternatives there are to the collector's item.

For some it is a jellyfish, for others a mushroom - but the "Nessino" table lamp from Artemide is one thing for sure: an icon of Italian design from the 60s. It was designed by Giancarlo Mattioli and was initially called "Nesso". In 2003, it was relaunched as "Nessino". But it is only now that it is really taking off. In our shop, its sales figures have increased by 86 per cent compared to the previous year. On TikTok, the luminaire is hyped in numerous videos.

A revival after 60 years

But why the hype now of all times? It could have something to do with a trend that Pinterest has announced for 2024: jellyfish aesthetics. The table lamp stands out with its diffused light and expressive curves. Its design is inspired by jellyfish and is perfect for bringing the trend into your home. Nesso was celebrated for its soft silhouette and material when it was first launched. It was made from lightweight, durable polycarbonate and was injection moulded - a sensation at the time. Nessino is made of the same material. The only difference is that there is no enthusiasm for it today.

Table lamps

CHF152.–

Artemide Nessino

E14

Table lamps

CHF189.95

Artemide Nessino

E14

Table lamps

CHF189.95

Artemide Nessino

E14

Table lamps

CHF152.–

Artemide Nessino

Table lamps

CHF189.95

Artemide Nessino

Table lamps

CHF189.95

Artemide Nessino

Instead of the original, some fans like TikToker Lea Annou prefer to buy a Nessino copy from Amazon, AliExpress, Kaufland or Temu worth around 10 to 30 francs. Perhaps because the price of the real Nessino of around 160 francs is beyond her shopping budget. Or simply because they don't like paying so much for "cheap plastic", which is now commonplace. But can the dupes really compete with the original jellyfish lamp?

The plastic Nessino lamp is considered an international icon of modern design.
Source: Artemide

Original versus dupe

From a distance, the copies of the Nessino may look similar. Up close, however, you will recognise the differences, as a TikToker called iamraphi explains in his video. He ordered an AliExpress model for the comparison and noticed that the lamp socket and the base, which has no logo, are different. I can also see from his photos that the diameters of the inner circle are not the same.

The differences between the original and the duplicates lie in the details.
Source: Artemide

I find another difference in the specifications of the AliExpress model. Instead of being made of heat-resistant polycarbonate (PC), the copy is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is generally cheaper, softer and less heat-resistant. This can have an impact on the safety and longevity of a product. According to the platform Chemie.de, PVC is therefore more often used for pipes, cable insulation, floor coverings, window profiles and much more instead of electronics.

The most important difference, however, is an invisible one: its value as a collector's item. Unlike a Dupe, you will probably still be able to sell the real Nessino in 60 years' time with little loss of value. After all, there are many people who are happy to pay for the idea - and the lamp has just proved that its design will last for decades.

Favourable alternatives to Nessino

If you prefer to steer clear of copies, but your shopping budget is limited, take a look at these alternatives. They are based on the mushroom shape of the Nessino, but do their own thing.

Briloner Battery LED table lamp, white, 1xLED module/2.6W (300 lm)

Table lamps

CHF23.70

Briloner Battery LED table lamp, white, 1xLED module/2.6W

300 lm

Table lamps

CHF44.70

Remember Bob

140 lm

Table lamps

CHF66.90

Sirius Sam

Table lamps

CHF91.90

Normann Copenhagen Porta

50 lm

Table lamps

−6%

CHF49.90 was CHF52.90

Venture Home Ferrand

E14

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Pia Seidel

Senior Editor

Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.ch

Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.

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The "Nessino" design icon from Artemide goes viral - and so does the cheeky copy

A revival after 60 years

Original versus dupe

Favourable alternatives to Nessino

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2 comments

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