Words by Jesse Dorris, Photography by Jason Varney
Robert Ogden and Natalie Page were both already accomplished designers in their own rights when they joined forces as Lostine in 2011. Together, though, their bright ideas really shine—just look at the Ava Wall Sconce, one of the brand’s most beloved offerings. A crisp rectangle of wood serves as the base, while tactile leather straps support a swivel bar in warm brass. “The Ava has been one of our most well-known lighting pieces,” says Page. “It’s a classic example of what has become a Lostine design language of combining materials specifically but not exclusively wood, brass and leather.”
This past fall, they’ve offered new colorways, expanding the fixture’s versatility. But Ava continues to embody so much of what makes Lostine distinctive: an elevation of industrial inspiration; keen respect for materiality; and a restraint that allows their products to be integrated into a wide variety of applications.
Ava’s origins are unexpected. “It was these antique scoops that I had been collecting,” Ogden says. “They were the inspiration for the shape of the leather shade.” The humble curve of the metal tool, in Ava, transforms into a leather arc which can illuminate a wall, a painting, a ceiling, or an entire room. “Articulation is always something that we like to play with,” Page says. “The handsewn leather shade is light enough that it can be easily positioned into different angles.”
Interiors: Ashli Mizell
The simplicity belies the complexity of construction. “It’s a difficult fixture to make,” notes Ogden. Luckily, the pair can rely on the expert artisans that make up the Lostine shop. “We make all of the wood and metal parts,” he says, in team efforts to ensure form meets function. “Details like the leather tabs serve a purpose,” he notes, “as well as provide decorative interest.” The tab’s clever design, then, both secure the brass bar and ensure the eye is pleased.
Other designers are pleased, as well. Shannon Wollack, the Founder and Partner of LA-based commercial and residential design firm Studio Lifestyle is a fan. “We love the texture of the leather and all the detailing,” she says. “We thought it was the perfect fit of design and function as a reading light!” And Susannah Holmberg, Owner and Designer of Susannah Holmberg Studios, has specified Ava in her commercial projects, including an office in Park City. “We wanted it to feel clean, but cozy,” she says. “Lostine’s Ava sconce offered just the right amount of walnut, aged brass, and leather to bring some moody organic notes to the space. It is truly the materiality of the piece that drew us to it.” 
And while that materiality has traditionally centered on black walnut and brass, Ava isn’t limited to it. “We were making some trays for the holidays and playing around with some materials,” says Page. “As we were laying out a maple board with some natural-color leather, we thought how different the Ava would look in a lighter color combination.” This bit of play led to a new range of colorways, including that natural leather with black or white oak, in both hardware and plug-in iterations. Like all of the Lostine leathers, Ava’s harness leathers boast a living finish that will only deepen in beauty over time. And the designers are thrilled by how the new colorway will show off its patina, while highlighting its form. “We love how the natural color leather softens the fixture,” she says.
