Flagship on Frome

Internationally renowned furniture and homewares brand, Kartell, has made an impressive statement about South Australia’s appetite for worldclass design by opening a flagship store in Adelaide. Described as a “collection of spaces and nexperiences”, the store was designed by Kartell’s design director, Ferruccio Laviani, in the brand’s home-city, Milan, Italy. Its clear lines and creative use of levels entice customers through the store. The shopfront is stacked with a collection of the brand’s finest products; Kartell’s use of transparent plastics and bold colours means light filters through the windows and refracts attractively in the designs. The simple branding on the window – the clean, red ‘Kartell’ – sits below eye height and encourages passers-by to peer down and through the windows. Gleaming shelves create reflective surfaces that enhance the fullness of the space, without the physical clutter of excess stock. Kartell’s decision to expand into Adelaide with a dedicated, flagship store, is testament to the city’s growing taste for quality design and craftsmanship. “There is such an ‘underground’ design culture in Adelaide,” says Lousia La Forgia. The La Forgia family is responsible for Norwood’s design diamond: Artemide on Fullarton Road. The family were approached by Kartell to establish the brand’s Adelaide premises. “Those who are passionate about brands and designers and are willing to invest in great design and products,” La Forgia continues. “Of course, professionals and those affiliated with design are aware of brands, but it’s surprising how many clients and the general public now recognise design brands. There’s a real understanding and appreciation, and I think that also comes about because we are limited to what we can get our hands on in terms of designer products in Adelaide. “I think more global brands need to take risks and invest in Adelaide, but likewise the community needs to support the brands so they stay here. South Australia and Adelaide have always had a strong design culture; we just haven’t had the population to support it. But with global access through the net and other avenues, brands have had more exposure.” Kartell is open six days a week at 60 Frome Street, Adelaide. Kartell 60 Frome Street, Adelaide 08 7225 8482 Open: Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday, 10am to 4pm Sunday, 12pm to 4pm