Italian siblings Lorenza Luti and Federico Luti are dedicated to advancing sustainability initiatives in the UAE through their renowned furniture brand, Kartell. The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has become a crucial market for the company, bolstering its status as a frontrunner in innovative design. The launch of flagship stores in Dubai Mall and Dubai Hills Mall highlights Kartell’s strategic focus on the region. With plans to expand further, including the opening of a store at Nakheel Mall in March 2025, and an emphasis on enhancing e-commerce, Kartell is well-positioned to meet the growing demand across the Emirates.
Kartell’s journey began in 1949 when Giulio Castelli, Lorenza’s grandfather, and his wife, architect Anna Castelli Ferrieri, set out to create objects characterized by pioneering qualities, leveraging new production technologies for material efficiency and process effectiveness. This vision laid the foundation for Kartell. Lorenza collaborates closely with her father, Claudio Luti, the president of Kartell, to manage designer relationships, develop products, and oversee all strategic developments for the brand. She also oversees the Kartell Museum, which was honored with the Guggenheim Award for being one of the best industrial museums globally, and serves on the Italian Industrial Museums Committee. “From its inception, the company has championed an avant-garde approach to design, rooted in technological exploration and innovation, essential for addressing the challenges of plastic materials that lack identity before processing, unlike natural materials,” Lorenza explained.
Upon taking the helm of the company in 1988, Claudio revitalized the product catalog while preserving Kartell’s core identity, focusing on quality, technological advancement, and the exploration of high-performance materials through partnerships with leading international designers. He also initiated a transformative distribution strategy with the introduction of exclusive Kartell spaces and flagship stores. After earning a degree in Economics with a focus on marketing and strategic management from Bocconi University in Milan, Lorenza gained valuable experience outside her family’s business by working in Ermenegildo Zegna’s retail department, skills that proved instrumental when she joined Kartell. Managing Kartell’s flagship store in Milan in 2002 marked the start of her journey with the brand, followed by a stint as an area manager in Paris. In 2005, she took on the role of Marketing and Retail Director during a period of significant growth for the company.
“Working for a family-owned company like Kartell is rewarding yet demanding, as personal and professional lives often overlap. Despite the challenges, the chance to contribute to a legacy that spans generations, alongside my brother Federico, who serves as the Worldwide Commercial Director, and our father, Claudio Luti, is incredibly fulfilling,” Lorenza shared. Federico, who holds a degree in Business Economics from Bocconi University in Milan with a specialization in international business, began his career in 2004, working in New York and Milan before joining Kartell in 2005. Initially serving as an area manager for various markets, he was later appointed sales director for Italy in 2012, where Kartell operates 25 flagship stores and accounts for 25 percent of the company’s revenue. Federico is deeply involved in the company’s strategic and global development, not only in furniture but also in other sectors. In October 2019, he was appointed Worldwide Commercial Director for the Habitat, Retail, and Web division.
“We are progressively integrating recycled materials into our production processes to foster a sustainable circular economy. All our products are made from recyclable materials and can be easily disposed of once disassembled,” Federico noted. “Kartell’s commitment to sustainability is ingrained in our corporate ethos, as demonstrated in our manifesto, ‘Kartell loves the planet’, which reflects our enduring dedication to environmental conservation. Our focus extends beyond individual products to a corporate history built on research, technological innovation, quality, design, and a steadfast commitment to consumer and environmental well-being. Throughout our production process, Kartell remains committed to environmental protection and sustainability standards,” Federico concluded.
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