Giulio Castelli founded Kartell in 1949, the brand made its debut in the world of design before becoming the contemporary emblem of Made in Italy. With a wealth of experience in the world of mode, Claudio Luti, Giulio and Anna Castelli's son-in-law, bought the company in 1988. His time at Versace allowed him to develop, as a designer, a love of perfection and aesthetics, a sensitivity that will allow him to give new life to the brand. Luti called around him designers and architects of the calibre of Philippe Starck, Ron Arad, Antonio Citterio, Ferruccio Laviani, Piero Lissoni, Patricia Urquiola, Mario Bellini, Alberto Meda and Vico Magistretti, whose products, the fruits of their talents, would quickly become symbols and icons of the brand.
The journey and the decisive moments in the history of Kartell are dictated by the use of innovative materials. The elaboration, handling and development of these materials result in a product with unique characteristics. Ten years of research will lead to a revolutionary innovation that will mark a turning point in the history of Kartell. In 1999, the brand was the first company in the world to use polycarbonate to manufacture nouveautés: decorative objects and furniture. Thus was born La Marie, a completely transparent chair at design modern and minimalist, followed by the Louis Ghost, one of Kartell's best-selling models. Since then, the company has been developing and deepening the theme of transparency, a symbol of its exclusivity and originality, while continuing its research into the study of surfaces and shapes thanks to new technologies and high-performance materials that have made it possible to create design furniture products such as stools, sofas, mirrors, etc. that have never been seen before. At the same time à la habitat and contemporary furniture division, Kartell launches into the production of lighting, writing a new chapter in the history of design light with luminaires design such as suspensions creating an atmosphere unique to decorate your interior.
The industrial production of high-en design d, ultra-technological and Made in Italy objects of is the signature of Kartell. From the choice of innovative and certified materials to the latest technologies, each Kartell product is able to guarantee its owner characteristics that reflect the DNA of the House through technology, quality, resistance and durability. Indeed, the range of furniture from Scandinavian style to baroque, contemporary style or encore the style vintage sees its unity in the use of noble and quality materials such as brass, solid wood or crystal.
The high degree of stability in production and sales and the repetitive processes minimise inefficiencies and waste, in favour of contemporary design productions that generate little polluting waste and, in any case, are fully recyclable. A passion for excellence has guided the development of Kartell since its inception. It is the same passion that today drives the company to focus on environmental responsibility and good sustainability practices.
The Kartell product is timeless, created with the environment in mind, and is destined at the end of its life to be used in museums or as part of a collection. Its vocation is to créer value. It does not create simple decorative objects but original pieces that will contribute to build a cultural project and that will not, under any circumstances, be doomed to abandonment at the end of their life. On the contrary, these objects will become real souvenirs.
The matière première used by Kartell, totally recyclable, can live a new life thanks to the machining processes of materials for products for industrial use. For seventy years, research and technological development have made it possible to continue selecting materials that can regenerate themselves and preserve the environment. Who plus is, all product packaging is made with recyclable and recoverable materials in precisely three macro themes.
For the Smart collection Wood, Kartell has obtained the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certification , which identifies products containing wood that comes from forests managed correctly and responsibly, according to strict environmental, social and economic criteria. The forest of origin has been independently controlled and assessed in accordance with these standards (principles and criteria of good forest management), established and approved by the Forest Stewardship Council® a. c. through the participation and consent of stakeholders. In fact, the wood comes entirely from FSC-certified forests, thus guaranteeing the origin and correct use of forest resources. Consumers are completely reassured about the origin of the materials purchased. Don't hesitate to visit plus, it is now possible to reconcile the Italian design angel sofa with a responsible approach!
Organic is also one of the new frontiers on which research Kartell is working, which has resulted in à la the creation of the first line of furniture in a totally revolutionary and natural material. It is a material that comes from the waste of agricultural production that does not compete with food for humans and animaux. The waste is "attacked" by microorganisms through a biological process and is transformed into a biomass similar to plastic. This biomass is then subjected to a series of processes to refine its composition and becomes a high quality material that Kartell was the first to apply in the furniture sector through injection and moulding techniques as with other plastics. From the convertible outdoor furniture for a garden design to the natural wood and chrome side table that will sparkle in your living room, Kartell has found the solution.
Finally, Kartell is committed to implementing and constantly improving the environmental management system, which is ensured by its adherence to international certification protocols. Furthermore, concerned about the health of consumers, Kartell guarantees that all its products are GREENGUARD certified, which means a low level of emissions from its modern furniture in order to preserve the quality of air in indoor spaces.