The unique, sexy and subtle Pod Pendant (2004) is the work of Jeremy Pyles for Niche, a company that happened somewhat by accident. When opening a homewares store in SoHo, Jeremy Pyles and Mary Welch were unable to find lights that satisfied their “super picky sensibilities.” Then Jeremy saw a man selling blown-glass vases out of the back of his truck. The glass designer wasn’t sure he could create the shape Jeremy was looking for – telling him that “glass is not meant to curve in on itself” – but the two of them kept at it, eventually creating three pendants to light the front of the Niche store. The lights weren’t for sale, but customers kept asking for them, and a new business was born. Pod Pendants are partially hand-blown and partially made in a mold, and no two are exactly alike (like snowflakes). The result is a play of light and dark, strength and delicateness, simple lines and lush colors. The fixture is designed around the shape of the bulb (included): a tubular dimmable LED, which Jeremy selected after studying 30 or more bulbs. Made in U.S.A.