Definition of Kartell

History

• Kartell was founded in Italy in 1949 for the purpose of making plastic car accessories; the company later turned to laboratory equipment and home furnishings (also plastic). Today the company is best known for high-style designer plastic furniture, although it still makes labware as well.

Products

• The Louis Ghost chair, introduced in 2002, is one of Kartell's signature products; it is made of transparent polycarbonate injected into a single mold. The Bourgie table lamp is also made of polycarbonate, but with baroque styling to showcase both innovation and tradition. Kartell also makes bookcases, rolling carts, tables and other furniture.

Materials

• Many of Kartell's products are made of transparent or dyed polycarbonate. Others are made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

Store Locations

• There are Kartell stores in 96 countries, including five flagship stores in the United States: New York, Miami, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Considerations

• High-end design comes with a high price tag. As of 2009, the Louis Ghost chair retails for more than $400.