Kartell

The Italian firm Kartell is founded in 1949 by chemical engineer Giulio Castelli. His wife Anna Castelli Ferrieri soon joins the company and is of great significance for the design part of the firm. At first, Kartell focuses on making accessories for cars by making use of new techniques and materials, the first product is a lightweight ski carrier. In 1953 Kartell starts making plastic products for the household, designed by Gino Colombini and other designers. In 1959 Kartell starts producing lamps for the interior with later on, in 1963, a furniture line. The furniture is designed by Marco Zanuso, Joe Colombo and others. Later on, Kartell also hires various designers like Giotto Stoppino, Giulio Polvara, Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Ron Arad, Vico Magistretti, Ferruccio Laviani, Marcel Wanders, Ronan and Ronan Bouroullec, Paolo Rizzatto and Tokujin Yoshioka. At design auctions you can often find Kartell items, like a beautiful plastic chair, a round plastic cabinet or a plastic bookshelf.