To celebrate Expo Milano 2015, Kartell has developed a rich programme of events and initiatives through valuable collaborations and exceptional partnerships. Taking place both at the fair itself and in town, these events are designed around the Expo's overall theme: Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life. In parallel with the launch of the event, the company has lifted the curtain on its own Milan flagship store, whose windows have been bedecked with the city's most recognisable icons juxtaposed with Kartell products. From the Cathedral to the Scala Theatre, the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan's classic trams and Leonardo's Last Supper, Kartell reinterprets the city's symbols with its unique sense of style.
Expo 2015 also saw the launch of the new Kartell Museum, which has been completely renovated in honour of the occasion. Designed by architect Ferruccio Laviani, the museum takes an interactive and consumer-oriented approach to tracing the history of both the company and contemporary design.
In addition the brand has become a sponsor of the Italian Pavilion, furnishing the Peck restaurant and part of the show, as well as fitting out a number of interior spaces at the exhibition such as Hortus, the 20 Eataly restaurants, and the Caffè Oldani.
Kartell has also been involved in some of the city's biggest initiatives: partnering with the Royal Palace to provide furnishings for its special Leonardo Da Vinci and Giotto shows, with the Milan State Archives which are exhibiting the only original ever found of Da Vinci's signature, and supporting Caritas by fitting out its Ambrosian Refectory charity canteen.
"Expo Milano 2015 has already proved to be a huge success, a great example of Italian "savoir-faire", and a strategic platform for discussing the broad and complex theme of "Feeding the planet, energy for life". I have believed in this project and its enormous potential right from the word go, from when the city submitted its bid through to when it beat the city of Izmir. It has been a journey fraught with obstacles and difficulties that at times seemed almost insurmountable. But the results are clear. We now need to ride the wave of enthusiasm and curiosity from the opening ceremony and continue to have faith in the opportunities that this event offers: leading an important debate on the theme of feeding the planet while at the same time, with the eyes of the world upon us, demonstrating our expertise by being exceptional role models," said Claudio Luti, Kartell president and Expo Milano 2015 ambassador.