A Brief History of Kartell Italia
Kartell Italia is a design company that was founded by Giulio Castelli in Milan, Italy in 1949. Originally, the company produced automobile accessories, but Castelli soon discovered that he could use a new material, plastic, to create a range of functional and accessible design objects.
The first product Kartell Italia produced was a plastic waste bin. This was followed by a series of plastic homewares such as dish racks, buckets, and chairs. In the 1960s, the brand started to work with celebrated architects and designers, such as Ettore Sottsass, Anna Castelli Ferrieri and Vico Magistretti. These collaborations helped to cement the company’s reputation for producing innovative, striking and functional products.
Kartell Italia’s Design Philosophy
Kartell Italia is driven by a philosophy that emphasizes the balance between aesthetics, functionality, and environmental sustainability. The brand strives to create timeless and modern designs that are accessible to everyone. They believe that good design should be inclusive and democratic. Kartell Italia’s products are therefore affordable and designed to serve a wide range of customers and purposes.
In addition, the company is committed to minimizing its ecological footprint. Kartell Italia uses safe, non-toxic materials in its production processes, and employs sustainable manufacturing practices. Their products are made to last, and are recyclable and biodegradable.
The Iconic Designs of Kartell Italia
Kartell Italia has produced many iconic designs over the years. Here are some examples:
The Componibili Storage Unit
Designed in 1969 by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, the Componibili is a modular storage unit made of ABS plastic. It is extremely versatile and can be used as a bedside table, a bathroom cabinet, or even as a portable storage unit for office supplies. The Componibili is one of Kartell Italia’s most popular designs and has won many design awards.
The Louis Ghost Chair
Designed by Philippe Starck in 2002, the Louis Ghost Chair is a modern take on the classic Louis XV chair. Made of transparent polycarbonate, the chair is lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant. It is an incredibly versatile piece, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Masters Chair
Designed in 2010 by Philippe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet, the Masters Chair is a tribute to three iconic chairs: the “Series 7 Chair” by Arne Jacobsen, the “Tulip Armchair” by Eero Saarinen, and the “Eiffel Chair” by Charles and Ray Eames. The chair is made of polycarbonate and is lightweight, stackable, and weather-resistant. It has been described as a “sculptural” piece, and has won numerous awards.
The Future of Kartell Italia
Kartell Italia remains at the forefront of innovative and accessible design. Moving forward, the company plans to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with plastic, while maintaining its commitment to sustainable and ethical practices.
In conclusion, Kartell Italia’s commitment to combining accessible, modern design with environmental sustainability has made it an iconic brand that continues to inspire designers all over the world. Its innovative and beautiful products will continue to grace homes and workplaces for many years to come.
Sources:
- https://www.kartell.com/gb/history
- https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/philippe-starcks-masters-chair
- https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/inside-kartell
- https://www.designboom.com/design/kartell-master-chai