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Collection by Patrick Sisson
Editor’s Pick

Iconic Philippe Starck Designs

A gregarious, whimsical and open-minded view on design animates Frenchman Philippe Starck, who has applied his singular style to literally thousands of projects, from hotel interiors and plastic housewares to wind turbines and even food.

Son of an aeronautical engineer, Starck started out creating nightclub interiors in the ‘70s, which caught the attention of President Francois Mitterand, who asked him to design a private residence at the Elysee Palace. Starck’s eye-catching work led to high-profile commissions for interiors and scores of consumer products for companies such as Alessi, Kartell and Vitra. A concern for accessibility and ecology, and the idea of democratizing design, unites his eclectic portfolio of work. “I have to fall in love with the client,” he says. “If you want beautiful children, the parents must be in love.”

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Juicy Salif Lemon Squeezer -- Alessi (1990) Likely the only juicer displayed at MOMA, Starck’s aluminum tripod design could be mistaken for a streamlined alien invader from a ‘50s pulp comic. He’s rumored to have said: "It's not meant to squeeze lemons, it is meant to start conversations."
Juicy Salif Lemon Squeezer -- Alessi (1990) Likely the only juicer displayed at MOMA, Starck’s aluminum tripod design could be mistaken for a streamlined alien invader from a ‘50s pulp comic. He’s rumored to have said: "It's not meant to squeeze lemons, it is meant to start conversations."
Zik Headphones -- Parrot (2012) Audiophiles appreciate the sound quality and intuitive, motion-sensitive commands -- swipe the right earcup to increase the volume, take of the headphones and the music pauses-- built into this high-end headphones. Design fans will be equally engrossed with the generous curves and shapely form in Starck’s creation.
Zik Headphones -- Parrot (2012) Audiophiles appreciate the sound quality and intuitive, motion-sensitive commands -- swipe the right earcup to increase the volume, take of the headphones and the music pauses-- built into this high-end headphones. Design fans will be equally engrossed with the generous curves and shapely form in Starck’s creation.
Good Goods Catalogue -- La Redoute (1996) Starck’s sense of humor and ecological passion come through in this catalog of “non-products for non-consumers in tomorrow's moral market,” both an environmental message and an about face from some of his more over-the-top projects. Witness the “Starck Naked” Starck roll-on dress.
Good Goods Catalogue -- La Redoute (1996) Starck’s sense of humor and ecological passion come through in this catalog of “non-products for non-consumers in tomorrow's moral market,” both an environmental message and an about face from some of his more over-the-top projects. Witness the “Starck Naked” Starck roll-on dress.
Rosy Angelis Lamp -- Flos (1994) Starck’s sleek tripod lamp features a whisp of white fabric draped around the light source, creating a soft, diffused glow.
Rosy Angelis Lamp -- Flos (1994) Starck’s sleek tripod lamp features a whisp of white fabric draped around the light source, creating a soft, diffused glow.
Axor Starck Organix -- Hansgrohe (2012) Looking like a stainless steel vascular system, this stunning set of bathroom fixtures not only apes organic forms with inviting curves and intuitive controls, but also reduces water consumption.
Axor Starck Organix -- Hansgrohe (2012) Looking like a stainless steel vascular system, this stunning set of bathroom fixtures not only apes organic forms with inviting curves and intuitive controls, but also reduces water consumption.
Dr. No Chair -- Kartell (1996) Starck recast the club chair with this playful design, a wrap-around of colorful, injection-molded plastic.
Dr. No Chair -- Kartell (1996) Starck recast the club chair with this playful design, a wrap-around of colorful, injection-molded plastic.
Lagouile Knife -- Lagouile (1986) Starck’s reinterpretation of the pocket knife, produced by the artisan French firm, is a sleek reboot and a step up from any lowly “West Side Story” switchblade.
Lagouile Knife -- Lagouile (1986) Starck’s reinterpretation of the pocket knife, produced by the artisan French firm, is a sleek reboot and a step up from any lowly “West Side Story” switchblade.
Hot Bertaa Kettle -- Alessi (1987) Presenting a bold, contemporary spin on a cup of tea, this kettle exudes Italian style, less a kitchen object that emits a hiss of steam than some Art Deco bullhorn brashly announcing its presence.
Hot Bertaa Kettle -- Alessi (1987) Presenting a bold, contemporary spin on a cup of tea, this kettle exudes Italian style, less a kitchen object that emits a hiss of steam than some Art Deco bullhorn brashly announcing its presence.
Dr. Kiss Toothbrush -- Alessi (1986) The tapered, barely there handle on this toothbrush makes a simple tool look like a calligraphic curve, or suspended plastic exclamation point.
Dr. Kiss Toothbrush -- Alessi (1986) The tapered, barely there handle on this toothbrush makes a simple tool look like a calligraphic curve, or suspended plastic exclamation point.