As part of a tribute to Ettore Sottsass (1917 - 2007), Kartell has created a collection of designs that take their inspiration from the graphics and forms pioneered by the designer through the Memphis Movement in the 1980s. In addition to offering historic, graphic textiles by both Ettore Sottsass and Nathalie du Pasquier on many of Kartell's extant upholstered designs like Philippe Starck's Mademoiselle chair and Piero Lissoni's Trix daybed, Kartell put into production for the first time three of Sottsass' designs. The Calice vase along with the Colonna and Pilastro tables/stools are exciting Kartell additions. All were designed by Ettore Sottsass in 2004/2005 and were posthumously placed into serial production by the Italian manufacturer in 2015.
Sottsass' Pilastro and Colonna tables are perfect as occasional/side tables or impromptu stools, these also look great when presented as a cluster in front of a sofa.
Pilastro is reminiscent of Sottsass' totemic sculptures with their tubular rings organized around a columnar form. Each of the five colors - black, green, pink, purple, and red - all sport a fabulous interplay of glossy and matte surface treatment.
At almost 19" in height, the Calice vase will certainly have great visual impact on any surface where it is placed. Its assemblage of "vertical steps," integrated truncated column, and exaggerated base footprint are all elements that figure prominently in several of Ettore Sottsass' designs.
Like the Pilastro table/stool and Calice vase, Colonna is also available in five different colors. Ideal as occasional tables or stools - their vertical flutes engender a mesmerizing optical effect.
Philippe Starck's Mademoiselle chair (2001) is now offered in several textile patterns that Sottsass designed in the early 1980s - iconic Letraset, frenetic Schizzo, and criss-crossed Rete - each textile is available in three colorways. Also offered is Nathalie du Pasquier's 1981 Burundi pattern for Memphis - its available in two colorways. With any of these new Mademoiselle upholstery options, one can select the chair's polycarbonate frame in glossy black or transparent.
Piero Lissoni's Trix daybed (2006) has never looked as engaging as it does in Sottsass' iconic Letraset textile. Sottsass developed the Letraset pattern in 1981 - Kartell now offers this textile in three colorways for Trix (shown here in vibrant fuchsia).
In addition to the aforementioned designs, Piero Lissoni's Audrey chair as well as his Pop and Plastics Duo collection of lounge chair and sofas are available in all of the Sottsass textiles. Patricia Urquiola's Foliage lounge chair and settee are available in Nathalie du Pasquier's Burundi textiles. For more information about these new Sottsass designs or any of the other Kartell pieces that are now available in these engaging textiles that pay homage to Memphis, please contact us at 404-605-0196 or info@switchmodern.com
