British designer Tom Dixon discusses his new global retail system, his latest furniture and lighting designs, and his approach to innovation in the design industry.
18 March 2025
Top image: Designer Tom Dixon
Interview by Vanitha Pavapathi
In the ever-evolving world of design, few names command the same level of respect and admiration as British designer Tom Dixon. From welding salvage steel in the early ‘80s to radical furniture and lighting today, the musician-turned-industrial designer has built an empire that straddles both art and functionality.
It was only recently that Dixon flew to Singapore to unveil his shop-in-shop at XTRA, which his namesake brand has had a 15-year collaboration with. Spanning 269 square feet, this dedicated space showcases key pieces from the latest collections, including the PLUMP Sofa, MELT Lights, SLAB Lounge Chair, and the highly anticipated GROOVE and POSE Portable. It also marks the debut of a new global retail system, designed by Design Research Studio (DRS) to create a dynamic and immersive shopping experience.
In this interview, the designer delves into his latest projects, the future of retail, and how design is evolving to meet new demands.
Every brand is trying to tell its story, but it can be challenging in a busy retail environment. Since we didn’t have a structured system in the past, our new retail system is about creating a dedicated space where we can effectively communicate our narrative while providing a practical backdrop for our products. It also helps streamline lighting displays by concealing cables, making it easier for our partners to support a system that works. While it’s not revolutionary, it simplifies the retail experience and makes our brand presentation more legible. We remain one of the only single-designer brands in the industry and it’s important for us to demonstrate that distinct identity.
In the past, our products were scattered throughout the store. The new setup creates a more cohesive and space-efficient display, which is crucial for partners with limited space. By standardising this across multiple countries, we can better measure its effectiveness in increasing brand awareness and sales. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the brand experience and drive more engagement.
Besides Singapore, we’ve implemented this shop-in-shop model in Bangkok and Taiwan, and it will be further expanding into four other locations.
Not exactly. The idea evolved over a decade, starting with my interest in digital manufacturing. The specific chair took just over a year to develop, which is quite fast. My long-standing exploration of metal chairs and outdoor furniture finally materialised in this collection.
The shift towards flexible living spaces, especially during COVID-19, played a big role. In the UK, outdoor dining became a necessity and restaurants needed durable furniture solutions. People also started remote work in different areas of their homes, including gardens and balconies. This shift created a demand for contemporary, functional outdoor furniture, making this an exciting space to innovate.
The collection’s two colours – putty (off-white) and moss (green) – cater to different environments. Putty suits indoors and urban settings, while moss blends into lawns, gardens and parks. While most outdoor furniture is crafted from steel or wood, GROOVE is aluminium, making it lightweight, durable and weatherproof. It’s also stackable for easy storage, competitively priced and designed for comfort, unlike my previous attempts at outdoor furniture. Its design is versatile, fitting both Art Deco and Bauhaus styles, and resonates with different visual references. So, I expect it to perform well in both commercial and residential spaces.
The POSE lamp features a Fresnel lens that focuses light beam while maintaining a flat profile. The standout element is its ball-joint mechanism, allowing for versatile positioning. Despite its technical aspects, it retains an anthropomorphic character reminiscent of the lamp mascot in the Pixar logo, making it both functional and expressive.
Not at all. The design emerged from my fascination with simple geometric shapes. The lamp’s aesthetic and engineering evolved through hands-on experimentation to achieve balance and functionality.
Initially, we wanted a completely magnetic mechanism, allowing for a wire-free design. However, that proved too complex, so we tweaked the design.
It’s hard to pick a favourite, but I’m particularly keen on the FAT WORK Chair. It was designed in response to the shift in work environments during COVID-19. Unlike traditional office chairs, which feel too engineered for home use, this chair strikes a balance between functionality and domestic aesthetics.
Portable lighting. Advances in LED efficiency and battery technology have enabled us to create lighting solutions untethered from power sources. This flexibility enhances how we use spaces, from home interiors to outdoor environments. Our larger portable lamps offer room-scale illumination, which is a game-changer.
XTRA
xtra.com.sg
We think you may also like Insights from Muuto: Scandinavian design and the power of neuroaesthetics
Like what you just read? Similar articles below
The new Poggenpohl and Cesar showroom at XTRA is a masterclass in dreaming up the perfect kitchen.
The dynamic and era-defining brands under the MillerKnoll collective can now be found in Singapore at XTRA. Here’s what you can expect.
