philippe starck proves wood is just as good for plastic fantastic kartell

milan design week 2018: philippe starck presents the ‘woody collection’ for kartell demonstrating the possibilities of wood and its perfect match with the italian furniture company’s renowned use of plastic. thanks to a special patent, the wood is machined with a mould that can extend the limit of curvature of the panel and create the frame of the chair with sinuous curves.

the collection consists of three chairs in total, two of which are armchairs, and a footstool, with each combining a wooden mould with a plastic base and legs. finished include ash, striped rosewood and princesswood with seats available in plastic, leather and upholstery.

the collaboration marks thirty years since the french designer first challenged the use of materials at kartell. in 1988 starck and kartell’s president claudio luti introduced the dr. glob chair which combined steel and plastic. this year philippe starck has also created the ‘outdoor’ collection for kartell, covering the universal shape of pool area furniture, which can be seen alongside woody at salone del mobile from april 17-22.