Faber-Castell was founded in 1761 at Stein near Nuremberg by cabinet maker Kaspar Faber. Since then the firm has remained in the Faber family for eight generations. Today it is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pens, pencils, other office supplies and art supplies, as well as high-end writing instruments and luxury leather goods. The company operates 14 factories and 20 sales units. The Faber-Castell Group employs a staff of approximately 7,000 and does business in more than 100 countries.
The 255-year-old firm recently saw double-digit growth following a surge in the number of people buying adult colouring books and in turn posted revenues of €577 million ($657 million) last year. In another innovative move, the company has now teamed up with German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld to produce a collection of watercolour pencils and art tools. The limited edition tool kit—dubbed the ‘Karlbox’—will retail at $4,000, feature a pyramid design and come with a remarkable 350 different art tools.
Karl Otto Lagerfeld is the head designer and creative director of the fashion house Chanel as well as the Italian house Fendi and his own fashion label. Lagerfeld’s relationship with Faber-Castell dates back to 1987 when he created a bridal gown for Count Anton Wolfgang von Faber-Castell’s wife, Mary.
Source: CampdenFB