Discovering Best Producers: KARTELL - The Culture of Plastic

Kartell is one of the names in the world of design loved worldwide! It is associated mainly with two Big Names:
1) The one is PLASTIC. Kartell was the first producer in the world that embraced such an innovative material as plastics and merged it with technology, always carrying a thought for great design, obtaining furnishings for the home with beautiful aesthetics and great functionality, with unique DNA.
2) The talented ANNA CASTELLI FERRIERE, who was among the first women to embrace the profession of architect in Italy, and who became a designer of international fame. In 1949, together with her husband, the engineer Giulio Castelli founded Kartell. She will be the Art Director from its beginning until 1987. Along with Ignazio Gardella, she has designed the building in Naviglio, at the gates of Milano city, where from 1967 until today is the headquarters of Kartell.
Today Kartell is well-known for its industrial production of design objects made of high-quality materials, impressive technological development, and certified 100% Made in Italy. These characteristics have guaranteed their legacy through time and helped gain international recognition and success.
The turning point came when, after years of research and thanks to a revolutionary innovation, in 1999, Kartell became the first company in the world to use polycarbonate to produce furnishing items. The result was La Marie, a completely transparent chair with a modern, minimalist design that paved the way for Louis Ghost, still one of Kartell’s bestsellers today.
In 1988, the company was presidented by Claudio Luti, the son-in-law of Giulio and Anna Castelli, with a background in fashion. The sensibility that Luti had developed at the Versace fashion house, with a love for perfection and tasteful design, he implemented into developing great new objects of design. He started collaborating with talented designers and architects from the industry like Philippe Starck, Ron Arad, Antonio Citterio, Ferruccio Laviani, Piero Lissoni, Patricia Urquiola, Mario Bellini, Alberto Meda, and Vico Magistretti. These collaborations gained more power and love for the products of Kartell and took the brand to the next level, with clients all over the world.
Since 1997, Kartell has been part of the Altagamma Association to bring at one table the best producers and creative minds from all over Italy, which are the ambassadors of the Italian style in the world. Its mission is to help companies and creative persons to increase their potential and become more competitive.
Kartell is one of the long-standing companies associated with ADI - Industrial Design Association - of which Giulio Castelli was a co-founder in 1956. ADI brings together designers, enterprises, researchers, teachers, critics, and journalists around design thematic: project, consumption, recycling, and training. Another essential aspect, regulated since 1958, is the assignation of the Prize Compasso d'Oro - the most important European recognition in the world of design.
Kartell Museo was established in 1999 on the occasion of the company’s fiftieth anniversary by President Claudio Luti to conserve, promote, and enhance the company’s value and intangible cultural heritage. It won the Guggenheim Enterprise & Culture Award for the best business museum.
Over the years, Kartell has won a series of important international awards, including nine prizes Compassi d'Oro. It developed and continues the work until today, presenting every year stunning new design objects we can enjoy in our houses and offices today.
Enjoy great design and high-quality furniture pieces!
Yours, N.