Kartell: The Culture of Plastics

The Italian furniture maker's plastic history

From the very beginning of Kartell‘s history plastic and design have been the mantra. Founded by Giulio Castelli, a chemical engineer, the Italian furniture brand is the most influential proponent of plastic industrial design, building a sizable following through quality production processes and design contribution by innovative designers. The homes of the 1960s and ’70s were very keen on accepting this experimentation and thus the …

Material Innovation at Maison et Objet 2013

3D printed architecture, wall gardens and electroluminescent lighting technology at this year's fair

Earlier in the week we looked at unconventional seating design and the use of light as themes at Maison et Objet 2013, now we take a step closer to the design process and look back on a few material innovations we saw at this year’s fair. From wall gardens to 3D printed prototypes, the following three projects represent a possible direction in future design. Karoo …

Aesop Mouthwash

Australia's most hygienic export tackles oral malodour with a refreshing botanical blend

For their first foray into oral hygiene, cult skincare label Aesop is starting with a universal concern—bad breath. The Melbourne-based brand tackles this problem with a touch of humor, boldly stating on the packaging for their newly-launched, alcohol-free mouthwash, “To politely protect the olfactory contentment of your loyal loved ones, fellow commuters or neighboring theater-goers, we advise a voluminous swig and gargle of Aesop Mouthwash …