European highlights

World trade shows and fairs are where designers and manufacturers keep up to date with the latest products, ideas and design directions.

Keen to check out what is currently hot in the lighting industry, buyers from Lighting Direct recently joined the more than 100,000 other international visitors who attended the Frankfurt Light+Building fair, Luminale 2004.

Around 2,000 exhibitors from 46 countries presented their products at the fair. Dean Fulford, general manager of Lighting Direct says among the most talked-about products at Luminale 2004 was the new Focus Series, designed by Austrian-based company Eglo.

"The Focus Series features a very minimalist design that is typical of the cutting-edge lighting products created by Eglo. Its styling reflects the clean, slim lines that are currently very popular in Europe," says Fulford.

Made from brushed chrome and clear glass, Focus comes in four formats: a hanging pendant, a downlight, a wall bracket and a table lamp.

Fulford says the Focus Series is a good option for kitchen and dining areas, as its modern styling and form reflect the design of today's kitchens.

"The spotlight heads set into the glass are adjustable," he says. "This lets you angle the lamps in any direction you want a benefit in the kitchen where you need light focused on certain zones."

The GU10 high-voltage halogens used in the Focus Series provide a brighter, whiter light than standard incandescent lamps. They are also more energy efficient and can be run off mains power, so there is no need for a transformer.

For further information on the Focus Series, contact Lighting Direct, phone (09) 273 3444 or visit the following websites: www.Trendsideas.com or www.lightingdirect.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas