The 1979 collection, a collaboration between lighting brand Darmes and Montreal-based designer Will Choui, captures the raw essence of an era through light and materials. Inspired by the brutalist architecture of late 1970s Montreal, the collection emerges as a visual ode to raw beauty and simplicity. A structured yet refined square aluminum module diffuses indirect light through a grid, blending shadow and glow.

“Through collaboration, we encourage emerging talent and optimize our expertise in lighting design,” explains Alexandre Joncas, chief designer at Darmes.

Will Choui brings a contemporary approach to brutalist aesthetics with a sense of balance, transforming the fixture into an artifact of memory. The collection is an artistic expression that merges two contrasting worlds—brutalism and contemporary design—offering a unique vision that bridges nostalgia and innovation, and brings the beauty of a bygone era back to life. Stripped of all excess, the 1979 collection reduces light to its purest form.

“My collection is an ode to the unexplored beauty of brutalism, fusing the boundaries of the past and present. I wanted to show how the simplicity and boldness of brutalist architecture can be reinvented in the context of contemporary design,” says Will Choui.

The 1979 collection was first presented at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) 2024 in New York and at Alcova 2025 in Milan.

Available in various configurations triple, single, or floor models to suit any interior. The pendant models remain adjustable after installation.

The lights are assembled in the DARMES workshop in Canada, using recyclable aluminum, in partnership with local suppliers. These collections are shipped worldwide with carbon neutral shipping.

Finishes available :

• Bronze Matte
• Matte Ivory
• Matte Black

We advise you to choose our transport service (usually UPS). In this case, shipping charges will be added to your invoice and the applicable delivery terms (Incoterms) are DAP. We take care of packing, transport, insurance and customs clearance to the delivery address indicated on the invoice.

Depending on the country of delivery, customs duties, sales tax and collection charges may be requested by the carrier at the time of delivery. On request we can provide you with an indicative estimate of these costs. Contact us if you wish to be assured of having nothing to pay at the time of delivery (Incoterms: DDP).

In the event that you are unable to accept your order and/or fail to respond to UPS’s requests, the cost of returning your shipment and re-dispatch will be at your expense.

In the event that the customer comes to pick up their order themselves or has their order picked up by the carrier of their choice, the applicable delivery terms (Incoterms) are EXW. In this case we only take responsibility for the packaging of the order. The merchandise is no longer under our responsibility once it has left our premises. You must assume the transportation, insurance and clearance of the goods.