2015 Milan Salone: Latest Report | Kartell

Kartell

Feature | Salone del Mobile.Milano 2015

Contemporary Design That Expands the World Through Material Possibilities

Kartell, a pioneer of contemporary design, presented an installation at this year's Salone del Mobile that reflected a vision of eclecticism in interior decoration. The brand's iconic products and this year's new arrivals coexisted in a new form, creating unexpected combinations and influences with complete freedom and expressive transversality.

Photographs by Daniele DAINELLIText by Kumi KATSURA (TOL STUDIO INC.)

Contemporary Elegance Nurtured by Plastic Materials

Kartell, a pioneer of contemporary design, continues to present the possibilities of plastic materials and new lifestyles to the world, transcending the boundaries of furniture. The elegance born from plastic and the eclectic style that fuses various tastes are created from the original approaches of diverse designers active worldwide, and the highest quality material formulations and production technologies.

This year, Kartell focused on its unique concept of "elegance." "Elegance" is defined as transversal, eclectic, personalizable, freely interpretable, and open. The exhibition space, designed by Ferruccio Laviani, was like a grand architectural "vessel" that combined classic and contemporary elements. The 14 stages, where new and old products were displayed on beige rugs with velvet curtains, featured laminate mimicking marble and copper frames. Evoking a "bourgeois home," the design incorporated grace while further highlighting the plastic materials.

New Works by Emerging Designers Such as Piero Lissoni and Tokujin Yoshioka Unveiled

The armchair "PIUMA" by Piero Lissoni, which had been highly anticipated even before the Salone, was a standout. Aptly named "feather," this chair achieves an ultra-lightweight design, weighing only 2.2 kg and featuring a backrest and seat with a thickness of less than 2 mm, achieved using thermoplastic polymer reinforced with carbon fiber.

Behind the minimalist design lies two years of intensive research to bring unprecedented materials and technologies into practical use. Furthermore, its high durability, flexibility, and stackability make it a perfect chair for outdoor use.

An installation featuring new works designed by Philippe Starck and others.

The chair "PIUMA" designed by Piero Lissoni.

Tokujin Yoshioka with his new "PLANET" creation, alongside Kartell President Claudio Luti.

Ferruccio Laviani's "KABUKI" is a floor lamp resembling an actress adorned in a lace dress. Though an industrially produced plastic item, it possesses a delicate beauty akin to handcrafted work. Additionally, Laviani's "BATTERY" is a rechargeable LED lamp usable outdoors for six hours, symbolizing the expanded possibilities of plastic through light.

Meanwhile, Tokujin Yoshioka's "PLANET" exuded a sophisticated material beauty with a chic, crystal-ball-like radiance.

This year also featured an exhibition of the collection by Ettore Sottsass, a master of Italian modern design, and the announcement of a collaboration with Alessandro Mendini. Furthermore, the Kartell Museum on the outskirts of Milan has been renovated with a new, glamorous black interior to mark its 15th anniversary, ensuring Kartell remains a constant source of excitement. It's a brand that always demands our attention.

Kartell's installation. The central sofa is "LARGO" designed by Piero Lissoni. The floor lamp on the right is Ferruccio Laviani's "KABUKI."

Kartell Shop Aoyama
Collezione 2F, 6-1-3 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5468-2328
Opening Hours | 10:30 - 19:00
Closed | Wednesdays (Open on public holidays)

http://www.kartell-shop.jp/