Kartell collaborates with world-renowned designers such as Mario Bellini and Philippe Starck, and is known for its unique and colorful furniture made using its own proprietary injection molding technology. interior brand. Among the top designers that Kartel collaborates with, one who is currently attracting the most attention is Tokujin Yoshioka.

At the 2019 Milan International Furniture Fair (Milano Salone), ``SMATRIK'' designed by Tokujin Yoshioka had a strong presence. We spoke with Federico Luti, the current commercial director and member of Kartel's management family, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary, and Tokujin Yoshioka, who has been collaborating with Kartel for over 0 years.

Federico Luti (hereinafter referred to as Luti):Kartel, celebrating its 70th anniversary, announced three surprises at Milano Salone. The first is the Starck-designed "Smart Wood collection," which uses three-dimensionally molded plywood instead of Kartel's signature resin. The second is ``AI'', the world's first chair devised by Starck and AI (artificial intelligence). The third is Tokujin Yoshioka's ``SMATRIK,'' which attracted attention for its three-dimensional structure.

Tokujin Yoshioka (hereinafter referred to as Yoshioka):SMATRIK is a chair created by cutting out two layers of mesh-like resin from the back to the seat. This is a hollow structure with a double-mesh seat shell made using a new molding method called 2D injection molding. A technique was required to extract the resin from a thin curved mold without it protruding, and the curved portion of the seat has a complex pattern with uneven mesh to create a comfortable sitting surface, so a very high level of technology was required. You will be asked for it. I don't think this would have happened without a cartel.

Rooty:The plastic material can be molded freely and has good color development. We can manufacture products at a price that many people can purchase. Recently, bioplastics that can be turned into soil have also been developed, and these materials are evolving day by day. We are conducting research and development on a daily basis together with Politecnico di Milano and Italian plastic manufacturing companies, and have also made huge investments. Kartel's essence is to thoroughly develop technology and realize the best designs created by famous designers around the world. SMATRIK required particularly difficult technology, but it took three years of development and numerous prototypes, leading to its release this year.

Luthi says Kartel collaborates with designers who can evolve together. We started collaborating with Yoshioka in 2008 with "Ami Ami", and in 2010, under the direction of Cartel CEO Claudio Luti, we created the transparent "Invisibles" series as a special collaboration with Tokujin Yoshioka. announced. In 2013, they released ``SPARKLE,'' which uses a prism effect to refract light and shine like crystal glass, and in 2015, they released ``PLANET.''

Yoshioka:Our collaboration with Kartel has been going on for over 10 years now. SMATRIK wanted to create a design that was unprecedented and would leave a mark in the history of plastic furniture.

Rooty:Mr. Yoshioka's designs are extremely elegant and classy, ​​and even after 10 years, they never fade and always inspire us with their novelty. I believe that TOKUJIN style is truly a unique work that is recognized around the world. However, his designs are manic and surprisingly detailed, making engineers cry (lol). However, there is no doubt that its design has definitely fostered the development of engineers.

Yoshioka:Cartel always welcomes surprises and new initiatives. I believe that it is because of this team that we were able to take on the challenge of creating a new structure called SMATRIK. Cartel has a team spirit that allows us to evolve and take on challenges together.

Rooty:SMATRIK is an innovative chair typical of Tokujin Yoshioka, in which the structure itself is designed. The fact that we were able to complete this gave us confidence, and we believe that we have definitely expanded the possibilities of resin. And I believe that SMATRIK will definitely leave its name as one of the products that will have an impact on future generations.

Yoshioka:In this day and age, it may be possible to make anything using a 3D printer. But then there is no creativity and no wisdom. I like thinking about how I can make this happen, and that's the fun of designing.

(Titles omitted)

Tokujin Yoshioka
Established Tokujin Yoshioka Design Office in 2000. His experimental and innovative creations in a wide range of fields, from design to art and architecture, are highly acclaimed around the world, and his works go beyond the realm of design and are also highly acclaimed around the world as art. Many of his works are in the permanent collections of major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Musée d'Orsay, and the French National Museum. She has won numerous design awards around the world, including Elle Deco International Design Awards (EDIDA) 2009 Designer of the Year. She was also selected as one of the ``100 Japanese people the world respects'' by the American Newsweek magazine.
https://www.tokujin.com/

Federico Luti Federico Luti
Born in Milan, Italy in 1980. After graduating from Bocconi University, he worked at BEAR STEARNS, a major American investment bank. He joined his father's company Kartell in 2005. In 20012 he became the Italian Domestic Area Manager, increasing sales by over 25%, and since 2015 he has been the Commercial Director. Along with his sister Lorenza Luti (Marketing Directors), he is attracting attention as someone who will lead the next generation of the Italian design industry.

Kartell TOKYO
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https://kartell.co.jp/