Kartell launches the final version of Matrix, the latest interpretation of a chair. From 14 to 20 January, the flagship store in Cologne will feature a special display, in which this chair, in all its variations, will land on the dusty lunar soil. This evocative display is meant to highlight the balance of shapes and materials and the harmony between complex structure and lightness. The Matrix project is the result of an ongoing dialogue between design and innovation and of the combination of the experimental ideas of a visionary designer with the advanced production technology of this brand. The weave of the seat, achieved using injection moulding technology on a metal structure with a three-dimensional effect, makes it look very light and sophisticated. Thanks to a prolonged study and design process, the difficulty in filling the mould of this one-of-a-kind structure was overcome, thus making it possible to create a product with unique characteristics in terms of design, resistance, durability, flexibility and production technology, which, for the first time, was made of plastic and produced at industrial level. Claudio Luti, President of Kartell, commented: ‘Kartell invests to create products that perfectly combine technological research, originality, attention to detail and industrial production, which are determining factors both today and in the future. Matrix is yet another example of our commitment to absolute quality and to always using new and revolutionary materials and technologies. As always, we take on a technological challenge and turn it into an innovative product that will become another best seller in our product range. For the first time, Kartell has experimented with polycarbonate by applying it to such a complex mould, thereby increasing the potential for production and creativity of our products.’ ‘For Matrix,’ Tokujin Yoshioka said, ‘I drew inspiration from 1950s chairs that were made from steel wire and, rather than focusing on their exterior look, I chose to create a design that resembled the structure as much as possible, but using Kartell’s innovative injection moulding technology. The two layers of acrylic resin in the shape of a stick create a three-dimensional structure in a harmonious blend of shapes and materials, which is essential and timeless.’ Matrix is available transparent and in the colours white, black or plum in the versions with painted or chrome-plated steel legs, and in stainless steel with oak-stained wood finish in the outdoor and rocking versions