Maui Settee by Kartell

Kartell History

Founded by chemical engineer Giulio Castelli in 1949 in Binasco, Italy, the Kartell Company rose to prominence in the 1950s along with the growing international recognition of Italian design as a leading force following the Second World War. One of the original goals of the company was to replace the traditional glassware in science laboratories with plastic. Focused scientific analysis of the properties of plastic, combined with design creativity, gradually led to the production of stylish plastic goods for the home market.

In 1972, Kartell participated in the Italy: The New Domestic Landscape exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Many leading Italian designers in the second half of the 20th century have designed for Kartell, including Gae Aulenti (the Jumbo table of 1965), Achille and Pier Castiglione (lighting), Joe Columbo (the ABS stacking chair no. 4860), and Richard Sapper, who collaborated with Marco Zanuso on a range of colorful polyethylene children's chairs, which won a Compasso d'Oro in 1964.

In the 1980s, Kartell began hiring more designers whose names were already widely known, including the great French designer Philippe Starck (who designed a number of products for the company, including the tubular steel and plastic Dr Glob chair of 1988).

The Kartell Company has become synonymous with innovation, winning numerous awards throughout its 60-year history. Today, Kartell Italy utilizes a team of internationally acclaimed designers to produce accessible, unique designer household goods and furnishings on wish lists the world over.