Cover Furnishings by Kartell (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
Furnishings by Kartell (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
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In an exclusive interview with Federico Luti, Tatler explores how Kartell has become a global design powerhouse
What keeps a brand’s DNA alive through generations? Look at many successful family-run companies and the formula changes every single time—for the Italian brand Kartell, it seems to be a potent mix of pioneering leadership, perpetual innovation and a resonant vision spanning seven decades and a half, to be exact.
See also: Always onward: Kuysen marks milestone year, adding creative innovator Kartell to its collections
Indeed, to learn the history of this maker of premium furnishings, lighting and accessories is to delve into the story of a family. Third-generation leader and Worldwide Commercial Director Federico Luti was recently in Manila to relay this to Tatler, just as we witnessed him mark their exclusive partnership with Kuysen and Kartell’s own wing at the Kuysen Design + Experience Center.
Founded in 1949 by visionary chemical engineer Giulio Castelli, Kartell’s design legacy began with a focus on industrial products. “My grandfather studied under the renowned Professor Natta, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry,” Federico shared. “He had this genius idea to bring new materials into Italian homes and, eventually, homes around the world.” It was Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Giulio's wife and a renowned architect and designer, who truly shaped the brand's identity. Under her vision, Kartell embraced plastic as a primary material, pioneering its use in furniture and homeware.
Above Lunam collection, Undique Mas side table, and Angelo stone lamp (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
Above Undique Mas tables and Okra vase (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
Lunam collection, Undique Mas side table, and Angelo stone lamp (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
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“She was the first woman to graduate from Milan's Politecnico University,” Federico noted proudly. Leaving an indelible mark on the company through her creativity and technical expertise, Anna’s designs are still some of Kartell’s best-sellers today. Among them, and possibly most notable, is the modular Componibili storage collection that made its debut in 1967.
Soon, Kartell broadened its scope under Claudio Luti, Giulio and Anna's son-in-law. Claudio's tenure as Gianni Versace's CEO added a fresh facet to the business. “He transformed our catalogue by collaborating with renowned designers such as Philippe Starck and Patricia Urquiola,” said Federico. “This led to the creation of timeless icons. We started using polycarbonate in our furniture. It was a game-changer, turning materials used in police shields and automotive components into beautiful, functional pieces like Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost chair.”
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Above Anna Castelli Ferrieri's Componibili storage system (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
Above Louis Ghost chair by Philippe Starck (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
Anna Castelli Ferrieri's Componibili storage system (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
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The brand has, in fact, been environmentally conscious since the 1990s, but there have been obstacles along the way. "Pioneering sustainable practices back then was tough. The technology wasn't as advanced, and there was a lot of scepticism," Federico said. "But we persevered because we believed in the importance of sustainability."
To this day, Kartell is deeply devoted to incorporating environmentally friendly procedures into all aspects of its manufacturing. With creative experimentation laying the groundwork of its DNA, the company is likewise no stranger to transforming recycled materials into the most stunning homeware pieces. “Sustainability means creating beautiful, durable products,” Federico emphasised. “It's about leading in finding and testing new sustainable solutions.” For instance, Kartell's new polycarbonate 2.0 reduces CO2 emissions by 60 per cent.
See also: These sustainability leaders are helping big businesses achieve their net-zero goals
Its partnership with Illy coffee pods is another example of this commitment to sustainability. “We use the pods to create stunning designs like Antonio Citterio's RE chair,” Federico stated. “It's all about maintaining quality and aesthetics while being sustainable.”
Above Re-Chair by Antonio Citterio (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
Above K-wood armchair, S-wood table, and Angelo stone floor lamp (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
Re-Chair by Antonio Citterio (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
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During his visit to the country, Federico gave us a fascinating tour of the Kartell displays on Kuysen Design + Experience Center’s third level. He talked about the history of each piece, especially the ones that his grandmother Anna had designed, with such passion and depth that it was clear how each product was a part of the family’s heritage.
Federico also expressed his admiration for Kuysen, Kartell's exclusive distributor in the Philippines. “Kuysen has similar characteristics to our successful partners around the world,” he said. “They mix high-end brands and work in top commercial centres. I love the passion they have for working with Kartell and their understanding of our values. It's not just about words but also about putting things into action. We've only worked together for a few years, starting just before COVID-19, but I see a great future ahead. I'm here to support Kartell's growth in the Philippines, just as we've done in Asia, the United States, and Europe. We want to bring the Kartell way to the Philippines with Kuysen.”
Looking ahead, Federico is excited about expanding Kartell’s lifestyle offerings and reinforcing its brand identity worldwide. “We aim to invest in our company, exploring new product categories and creating a comprehensive Kartell lifestyle,” he stated. “Our vision is to make our clients feel the Kartell experience, whether in their homes or our stores.”
Above K-Waiting Living Collection (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
K-Waiting Living Collection (Photo: Courtesy of Kartell)
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Rooted in such a rich heritage of innovation and design excellence, Kartell's future remains bright. As Federico aptly put it, “We strive to keep our DNA at the centre while continuously exploring new solutions and delivering unique experiences to our clients.”
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