In Conversation with Fabian Freytag
When Original BTC’s understated elegance meets Fabian Freytag Studio’s fearless innovation, exciting things happen. Our latest collaboration – a bold reinterpretation of the much-loved Blossom portable lamp – combines heritage craftsmanship with creative experimentation.
We sat down with designer Fabian Freytag and Original BTC director Charlie Bowles to chat about shared values, creative contrasts and the unexpected beauty of working together.

Charlie, what drew you to collaborate with Fabian Freytag Studio?
Charlie Bowles: We were immediately drawn to Fabian’s bold creativity and distinct visual style. His approach is confident, playful and sculptural – exactly the kind of fresh perspective that allowed us to reimagine the Blossom in a totally new way.
Fabian, what were your first impressions of Original BTC?
Fabian Freytag: Right away, I felt we had a lot in common. We both appreciate the historical DNA woven into contemporary design, especially with lighting. It has to look alive even when it’s off. And visiting the Original BTC factory was amazing, I even felt was a bit envious! Every designer dreams of having a space like that to bring ideas to life. The leftover pieces from their production process, especially the glass, really caught my attention. It was like stepping into a dream.
Charlie, why did you specifically choose Blossom for this collaboration?
Blossom’s always been one of our more playful, versatile designs – compact, but full of personality. It felt like the perfect canvas for Fabian’s expressive style, allowing him to really explore and reinvent it, without losing the original charm.
And what was your first impression of Blossom, Fabian?
Honestly, it felt like meeting someone really charming. That’s what good design should feel like – almost like you’re talking to a character. To me, Blossom is cheerful, reliable, robust – basically, a friend you can take anywhere.
Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your version of Blossom?
Fabian: I started imagining exactly where I’d want to use this lamp, and I immediately thought about a Hollywood Regency garden party. I loved the idea of designing something that would feel totally at home there – something glamorous but not stuck in the past. It became about balancing the material, the quality of light, and the personality. We experimented a lot and eventually landed on anodising and hydro-dipping. Those techniques let us bridge different eras, add depth, and achieve a surface that felt modern and cinematic.
Why did hydro-dipping become such a key technique for you?
Fabian: It fascinates me because it’s both precise and spontaneous. It lets you create really interesting three-dimensional effects. We used it to achieve a marble or terrazzo look. It was our first time exploring hydro-dipping, but it definitely won’t be the last.
Charlie, how would you describe the new Blossom Special Edition?
It feels fresh, vibrant, and completely unique – honestly, it turned out exactly how we hoped. Fabian’s brought his bold, sculptural style to a lamp we already loved, creating something we probably wouldn’t have thought of on our own. That’s exactly why it’s so exciting. It expands the visual identity of Original BTC, but stays true to our values of quality and craftsmanship.
And how does Blossom reflect Original BTC’s core design principles?
Charlie: Blossom really sums up everything important to us: exceptional design, British craftsmanship, and lasting appeal. Whether it’s the original Blossom or Fabian’s reinterpretation, this lamp stays functional, full of personality, and feels like a future classic.
Fabian, how do you approach lighting as part of your overall design approach when creating an interior concept?
Every design discipline is connected. Ask someone who makes furniture, and they’ll say furniture matters most. Ask someone who works with paint, and colour is the key. For me, it’s all related. But lighting’s special because it’s about layering – multiple sources are key. More lamps, not brighter ones. Especially in Northern Europe, great lighting can completely transform a space, and that matters most days of the year.