The constant interplay of design and technological innovation has led to the creation of Smatrik, the latest interpretation of a chair, designed by Tokujin Yoshioka. It has an innovative frame that creates a three-dimensional effect, which makes it look incredibly light and elegant.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Material: Polycarbonate 2.0 (Seat), Painted or Chrome-plated Steel (frame)
Dimensions: 77cm x 61cm x 55cm x 44cm (Height x Width x Depth x Seat Height)
Weight: 4.6kg

*Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Do not use wire or metallic bristles to avoid scratching.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Graduating from Kuwasawa Design School in 1988 in Japan, Tokujin Yoshioka is a Tokyo-based designer. Yoshioka takes inspiration from traditional Japanese culture as well as from nature, and his work takes on an experimental approach. Constantly challenging perceptions of light and space, Tokujin investigates the correlation between nature, science and technology whilst pushing boundaries in the disciplines themselves. He commonly utilises reflective and transparent materials in design; specifically glass. His dedication to design has resulted in Yoshioka becoming one of Japan’s leading contemporary artists and designers.

ABOUT KARTELL

Founded by Giulio Castelli in 1949, in the early years Kartell took its first steps to produce the distinctive design that would come to epitomise the 'Made in Italy’ label. In 1988 the company was acquired by Claudio Luti, the son-in-law of Giulio and Anna Castelli who had a background in fashion. With a love for perfection and tasteful design, this heralded a new start for the brand. Luti sought collaborations with designers and architects like Philippe Starck, Ron Arad, Antonio Citterio, Ferruccio Laviani, Piero Lissoni, Patricia Urquiola, Mario Bellini, Alberto Meda and Vico Magistretti, who were responsible for those products that soon came to symbolise the brand. The fresh approach to materials dictated the new direction and brought real turning points for Kartell.

In 1999 Kartell became the first company in the world to use polycarbonate to produce furnishing items. The result was La Marie, a completely transparent chair with modern, minimalist design which paved the way for Louis Ghost, still one of Kartell’s best sellers today. From this moment on, the company developed and explored the theme of transparency that has made it unique and original, continuing its research into the study of surfaces and shapes, that have made it possible to create products like nothing ever created before.

Today, Kartell is the perfect synthesis of its past and its ongoing projection into the future, combining the great heritage of corporate culture with the desire to explore new paths and engage in new experiences dominated by an intense passion for creation.

Kartell is known for its industrial production of the finest quality design objects, with remarkable technological content, Made in Italy. From the choice of innovative and certified materials, to the use of advanced technologies, Kartell is able to guarantee users of its products a collection in which technology, quality, resistance and durability are part of its DNA.