Kartell Maui Soft Side Chair

Vico Magistretti was born in 1920 and is still working as an architect and furniture designer in Milan (where he was born). He began designing at the end of the 40s, but spent most of the 50s involved in architecture. He then returned to design (by far the majority being furniture) at the end of the 50s and has continued since then. He was educated in a time of architectural rationalism and so was taught to think logically, a lot of importance being placed on using architecture to solve social problems. In particular; the use of pre-fabrication was advocated. He was always more involved in industrial design for mass production than in one off pieces, but unlike some similar products, he designed his furniture to last. This all leads to his designs tending to be simple but effective solutions to a problem. However, he keeps them quite informal by adding a bit of fun; perhaps this was a natural reaction against the austerity of wartime conditions. Although this is all true, he still manages to make his designs innovative and stylish with elegant lines and quality finishes. Magistretti remains consistent in his approach to his work, but he continues to react to current trends and issues and is always willing to test new materials and come up with new solutions. His designs have contributed significantly to the success of Italian design.

Designed between 1995 and 1996, the Maui chair was the focal point of design research in the nineties and is the first of a new era of single mould seats in material that has no ribbing, tracery, metal supports or reinforcements to support the back. In 2012 Kartell brought it back in a fabric-covered version (Kvadrat and Trevira) thus increasing its rich family of colours and functions, able to satisfy the specific needs in the contract sector as well as in the home. The elegant lines and its practicality make the Maui chair an extremely versatile design, just as contemporary today as yesterday.
Designed by: Vico Magistretti

• Frame made of chrome plated steel
• Collection: Maui
• Upholstered: Yes
• Distressed: No
• Country of Manufacture: Italy

• Seat height: 17.7''
• Overall dimensions: 30.3'' H x 21.7'' W x 20.5'' D
• Overall Product Weight: 10.8 lbs