As its name--Czech for "glass"--should indicate, SkLO is a designer lighting brand devoted to simplicity, honesty, and essentiality. Knowing the history and quality of Czech glass, Karen Gilbert saw opportunity when she and her architect husband, Paul Pavlak, met Pavel Hanousek, whose own knowledge and experience included decades of Czech glassblowing and handcrafting. Together, the three founded SkLO in 2009, uniting modern California design and centuries-old Czech glass tradition.
Every SkLO design, whether a decorative object or designer light, begins in Gilbert and Pavlak's California studio. There, the co-design-directors celebrate the "inherent primal brutality" of the raw materials, drawing out the essence of glass and metalwork. Once they are satisfied, expert Czech artisans draw on centuries of accumulated knowledge and tradition to produce every individual SkLO design by hand.
This handcrafting is an essential part of every SkLO light. Every design is conceived such that the subtle irregularities produced through crafting are captured and celebrated. This makes every beautiful and vibrant light SkLO produces a reflection of both the history of the craft and the moment of its creation.
