Beja creative process: a pendant lamp between Art Nouveau and memory
The most curious among you are probably wondering how Beja came to be this white ceramic pendant lamp, delicately glazed and crackled, as retro as it is timeless.
For those who don't know, Beja owes its shape to the bell shape of lily of the valley. But why lily of the valley as inspiration?
1. The lily of the valley as a tribute to my mother and to Diorissimo
Lily of the valley is a fond childhood memory. First of all, because my mother wore Diorissimo, a discreet floral fragrance launched in 1956 by Christian Dior, with lily of the valley as its main note.
When I imagined Beja, I wanted to celebrate both the fragrance and the flower, and pay tribute to my mother.
2. The tradition of lily of the valley, a quintessentially French ritual
- A tradition of good luck since the Renaissance:
In 1561, King Charles IX received a sprig of lily of the valley as a good luck charm. Charmed by the gesture, he decided to give one to the ladies of the court every spring. Lily of the valley thus became a symbol of luck and renewal, linked to the return of sunny days.
- A flower associated with Labor Day in the 20th century:
In 1936, with the arrival of the Popular Front, May 1 was celebrated as Labor Day. Instead of red wild roses (the symbol of socialism), people began to give lily of the valley, which was more neutral and spring-like. In 1941, under the Vichy regime, lily of the valley officially became associated with May 1, replacing the wild rose.
Lily of the valley on May 1 is both a wish for happiness and a tribute to the struggles of workers.
Giving a sprig on this day is a wish for luck, kindness, and dignity in work for all.
3. The lily of the valley in Art Nouveau
Lily of the valley is much more than just a flower: it is a canonical motif of Art Nouveau, the late 19th-century movement in Europe that drew inspiration from nature to create a new, fluid, and organic art form.
With its small bells and fragile elegance, lily of the valley was highly prized in the decorative arts, from glass vases to refined jewelry.
Among the artists who celebrated this flower, René Lalique remains a key figure. From 1900 onwards, he created cameos, jewelry, and vases inspired by lily of the valley, highlighting its delicate beauty.
In particular, his famous 1921 pendant Muguet, made of opalescent glass, is a miniature jewel of floral expressiveness.
Other figures of the time, such as Mucha and Georges Fouquet, incorporated this motif into their creations for the 1900 World's Fair.
What if Beja was the missing piece in your interior?
What sets Beja apart from other pendant lights is that it combines a tribute to the past with craftsmanship and functional elegance.
Perfect in a cozy bedroom, a bright hallway, or a kitchen, Bejaprovides soft lighting that invites contemplation.
Why choose Beja and its retro design?
Because it is a timeless piece that stands out for
its return to authenticity: in the face of modern overconsumption, a handcrafted object with historical roots reassures and inspires confidence.
its poetic detail: organic shapes and ceramic textures create an immediate sensory atmosphere.
its transgenerational elegance: Art Nouveau lines adapt to contemporary decors, offering a subtle contrast with modern materials.
If Beja inspires you, discover it here. Explore the whole collection and take home a piece that will never go out of style.
