Bentwood chairs and vintage prints: what impressed Kartell at iSaloni

At iSaloni 2018, the Italian factory Kartell welcomes visitors with the slogan «smart design for smart people». The renowned manufacturer of plastic furniture is wowing the public this time with a range of innovative solutions, including Woody chairs by Philippe Starck, and collections born in alliance with a number of established Italian brands. But about everything in turn.

Thanks to innovative, patented technology, the wooden chairs and armchairs in the Woody collection by Philippe Starck look as if they are made of malleable plastic. It took 30 years to realise the idea, and all that time the company has been researching how to give the wood a malleable, curved shape. The design is based on the human need to live surrounded by natural materials, but to have the most livable furniture possible.

Designer Piero Lissoni has invented the innovative interior object Born especially for the Kartell brand, which can be used as a work table or as a kitchen cooker at the owners' discretion. The worktop has integrated frying surfaces, delicately marked by a white circle – particularly relevant for those who can't tear themselves away from their work while dining. To complement the table, the other designers, Fabio Novembre and Patricia Urquiola, have suggested beautiful tableware.

Plastic chairs have been the brand's most successful products for a number of years now. This year, the philosophy and spirit of Kartell is reflected in several new collections: Catwalk, Venice, Be Bop and Matrix.

Kartell actively supports the general trend towards the use of environmentally friendly materials and has invited industrial design guru Antonio Citterio to bring its concepts to life. A collection of chairs made from bioplastics (which are produced from renewable sources of biomass, such as sugar) has been given the eponymous name Bio.

Kartell furniture – it's always about simplicity of form, quality materials and unique style. Each year the brand adds pieces to its range that blend seamlessly into its existing living room furniture collection. This year, Piero Lissoni, Ludovica and Roberto Palomba (Pole Dancer bookcase and Ecoes mirror) and Philippe Starck (Cara armchair) presented their new items.

The Sun Tan collection – a study on the theme of laconic pool furniture. Lightweight and ergonomic, it features a versatile design that makes it easy to combine chairs, loungers and armchairs with each other. This is a modern take on classic pool furniture, masterfully crafted by Philippe Starck.

The creative director of fashion house La DoubleJ, Jay Jay Martin, chose several interior pieces from the Kartell archives and decorated them with bright vintage prints. The collection, which was presented at Milan Design Week, included several chairs, a sofa, a small table and chests of drawers. The harmonious alliance between Kartell and La DoubleJ has come about because the brands share an ironic and positive outlook on reality, a desire for quality and elegance, and a superfashionable and exclusive style,” — this is how Kartell director Lorenzo Luti assesses the creative alliance.

Creating a fixture for Kartell – is always about exploring new stylistic and technical solutions. This year the company is presenting several new products, including Bellissima, Big Battery and Mini Kabuki by Ferruccio Laviani, as well as a Space table lamp designed for Kartell by Adam Tihany.

The famous bear, invented by Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott, has become the Kartell lamp. The partnership between the two brands celebrates a playful, non-serious design that lifts spirits and brings a smile. «Being a huge fan of the Kartell brand, its history and Italian design in general, I am terribly happy to be part of this company together with my hero»– commented Jeremy Scott on the result of the collaboration.

New Studio – representative of the Kartell brand in Belarus.