Anna Castelli Ferrieri

Anna Castelli Ferrieri is one of the most influential architects and designers in Italian design history. Her innovative work for Kartell, where she created functional and stylish plastic furniture, has left a lasting mark on the world of design. 

Anna Castelli Ferrieri 1918 – 2006 

Anna Castelli Ferrieri was born in 1920 in Milan and trained as an architect at the Politecnico di Milano, where she was one of the first female students to graduate. Her career began in architecture, but it was her work in furniture design that truly put her on the map. In the 1940s, Ferrieri started collaborating with some of the leading design studios in Italy, and her modern vision was inspired by the Bauhaus movement and functionalism. 

Anna Ferrieri Castelli – The Visionary Behind Kartell's Success 

In 1950, she and her husband, Giulio Castelli, founded the groundbreaking company Kartell. Thanks to Ferrieri, Kartell became known for its innovative plastic furniture, and she played a pivotal role in establishing the brand’s international success. Her work for Kartell, particularly the iconic Componibili series, became symbols of functional and sustainable design, and her creations are still in production today. Componibili was designed to meet the need for smart and adaptable storage furniture. The series comes in various colors and sizes, making it easy to find a version that appeals to different tastes. It has become a favorite among design enthusiasts worldwide and has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. 

Italian Design Icon 

Ferrieri combined aesthetics with functionality in a way that was unique for her time, helping Kartell become a leading name in modern design. By using plastic, a then-new material in the furniture industry, she paved the way for a new era of innovative furniture. Anna Castelli Ferrieri represents the best of modern Italian design. Her work has had a huge impact on both industrial and furniture design development in Italy. She was also one of the first women to take a leading role in a male-dominated industry, paving the way for future generations of female designers. Her design philosophy, which united beauty and practicality, continues to inspire designers around the world. 
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