Kartell – Italian industrial design since 1949

Kartell - plastic for art

The Italian company Kartell is one of the most dazzling brands in the world of design. The beautifully shaped products made in Milan harmonise industrial know-how and unusual design language, which has earned the manufacturer a great reputation on the international stage. It is above all the famous plastic furniture that has already achieved cult status.

In addition, Kartell has been able to attract many renowned designers over the years and continuously expand its own range. The further development of production processes and the use of new materials are just as much a focus as the passion for design. The quality of the design objects is particularly evident in their longevity. Over 150 flagship stores and 850 exhibition spaces around the world symbolise a unique success story.

The history of Kartell

Kartell was founded in 1949 by Giulio Castelli and initially produced plastic elements for other branches of industry. The interest in this flexible material began here, but it was not until the 1960s that it was also used for the manufacture of furniture. Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper designed the K4999 children's chair in 1964. Together with the Componibili stacking container designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, the founder's wife, this marked the beginning of the success story of exclusive plastic furniture. In 1988, son-in-law Claudio Luti took over the business and brought his experience from the fashion industry (Versace) to the company.

It is thanks to Luti's flair that many renowned designers find their way to Kartell. Products such as the Louis Ghost chair by Philippe Starck, the Bookworm shelf by Ron Arad or Ferruccio Laviani's Bourgie table lamp become a success. Other design greats follow the company's reputation, including Antonio Citterio, Enzo Mari, Andries van Onck, Michele de Lucchi, Piero Lissoni, Patricia Urquiola, Mario Bellini, Alberto Meda, Vico Magistretti and Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. An important milestone in Kartell's history, however, was in 1999, when the company became the first manufacturer in the world to produce furniture made of polycarbonate. This breakthrough is symbolised by the transparent chair collections, which are still among the Italian design company's customers today.

Interesting facts about Kartell

• The Kartell Museum was opened in 1999 to honour the creative work of Kartell. It is located at the company headquarters in Noviglio near Milan and contains over 8000 objects and a large collection of photographs and drawings from 70 years of company history. The museum was awarded the Guggenheim Prize for Enterprise and Culture in 2000 and is considered one of the most exciting industrial architecture buildings in Lombardy.