Discover the Innovative World of Design at www.kartell.fr
Introduction
Kartell is a leading Italian design company known for its innovative and contemporary designs. Their products range from furniture, lighting, decorative objects, to home accessories. Established in 1949 by Giulio Castelli, Kartell has been working with renowned designers such as Philippe Starck, Patricia Urquiola, and Ron Arad to create unique pieces that combine functionality, beauty, and sustainability.
The Story Behind the Brand
Kartell’s success story began in the early 1950s when they started experimenting with the use of plastic materials in furniture design. This approach not only allowed them to create lightweight and durable products but also introduced innovative shapes and colors that had not been seen before in the furniture industry. The iconic “Componibili” storage unit designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri in 1969 is a perfect example of Kartell’s innovative and practical design philosophy.
In the 1970s, Kartell expanded its product range to include lighting fixtures and home accessories, collaborating with designers like Ferruccio Laviani and Gaetano Pesce. Their goal was to create products that were not only functional but also visually striking and expressive. One of the most famous Kartell’s products from this era is the “Bourgie” table lamp designed by Ferruccio Laviani, which combines classic and modern elements into one timeless piece.
Design Philosophy
Kartell’s design philosophy is based on four fundamental principles: innovation, functionality, beauty, and sustainability. They believe that by combining these elements, they can create products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and durable.
Innovation is the driving force behind their designs. They continuously experiment with new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes to push the creative boundaries further. One of the most recent examples of this is the “A.I” project, which explores the use of Artificial Intelligence in product design.
Functionality is a crucial aspect of Kartell’s design philosophy. They believe that the practicality of their products should not be sacrificed for aesthetics. Instead, they strive to create products that are both beautiful and useful, like their storage units or their ergonomic chairs.
Beauty is another vital element of Kartell’s design aesthetic. They believe that their products should evoke emotions and be visually striking. This is achieved through the use of vibrant colors, playful shapes, and clean lines that create a sense of harmony and balance.
Sustainability is a topic that has become increasingly important in recent years, and Kartell is committed to promoting environmentally responsible design practices. They use recycled and eco-friendly materials in their products and have implemented a closed-loop production cycle to reduce waste and pollution.
The Kartell Catalogue
Kartell’s product range is vast and diverse, from furniture to home accessories. Their iconic products include the “Louis Ghost” chair designed by Philippe Starck, the “Bubble” club sofa designed by Piero Lissoni, and the “Masters” chair designed by Philippe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet.
Their collection of lighting fixtures is equally impressive, with highlights such as the “Bloom” pendant light designed by Ferruccio Laviani or the “FL/Y” suspension light designed by Ferruccio Laviani.
In addition to furniture and lighting, Kartell offers a range of decorative objects and home accessories that adds a touch of whimsy and color to any interior. These include the “Taj” table lamp designed by Ferruccio Laviani, the “Ghost” vase designed by Studio Klass, or the “Jelly” vase designed by Patricia Urquiola.
The Kartell Experience
The best way to experience the world of Kartell is to visit their website, www.kartell.fr. Here, you can browse their extensive catalog, read about their design philosophy, and get inspired by their latest creations. The website also features a store locator tool to find the nearest Kartell retailer or showroom.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Milan, you can visit the Kartell Flagship Store located in the heart of Brera’s design district. The store features a wide range of Kartell products, from the classics to the latest releases, displayed in an interactive and playful atmosphere.
Kartell also participates in major design events such as the Salone del Mobile Milano and the Maison et Objet Paris, where they showcase their latest products and collaborate with renowned designers to create exciting installations.
