Tag Archives: Philippe Starck

Kartell Reimagines Iconic Chairs In Barbie Pink At 2024 Milan Design Week

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The recent collaboration between Kartell, the distinguished Italian furniture brand, and Mattel, the creative force behind Barbie, has resulted in an extraordinary collection of chairs that blurs the boundaries between furniture and art. Unveiled at Milan Design Week 2024, this partnership represents a significant milestone in design history, as it merges Kartell’s Philippe Starck-designed chairs with the timeless charm of Barbie.

Designer: Philippe Starck

Barbie’s enduring influence as a cultural icon cannot be overstated. From her origins as a children’s toy in 1959 to her recent portrayal in a live-action film, Barbie has continually evolved, captivating audiences worldwide and transcending her toy origins to become a symbol of empowerment and aspiration. Last year’s release of the Barbie movie further underscored her cultural significance, reshaping perceptions and highlighting her relevance across different age groups.

In response to Barbie’s multifaceted influence, Kartell and Mattel Creations embarked on an innovative partnership. Reimagining five of Kartell’s iconic chairs through a Barbie-inspired lens, the collection breathes new life into Philippe Starck’s designs, infusing them with Barbie’s signature style and charm.

The chairs, including the ‘Venice’, ‘Louis Ghost’, ‘Masters’, ‘Ero|S|’, and ‘AI’, have been meticulously recreated in both human and doll sizes, symbolizing Barbie’s 65-year legacy of inspiring imagination and creativity. Each chair, bathed in Pantone 219 C – the iconic Barbie Pink hue – is crafted from recycled plastic, highlighting the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

The genesis of this collaboration lies in Barbie’s ability to reinvent herself and resonate with audiences across generations. By transforming Kartell’s chairs into vibrant pink masterpieces, the collection pays homage to Barbie’s legacy of creativity and imagination. Crafted from recycled plastic and incorporating innovative materials such as bamboo, each chair embodies Barbie’s Dreamhouse aesthetic while also prioritizing sustainability—a testament to both brands’ commitment to environmental responsibility.

The debut of this remarkable collection at Milan Design Week captivated attendees, transporting them into a world where toys seamlessly merge with art. Displayed against the backdrop of Condé Nast’s Vogue Closet exhibition, the chairs became more than just functional pieces—they became cultural artifacts, inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries between fantasy and reality.

In the words of Kartell, this collaboration represents a fusion “where toys become art, and art becomes toys.” By marrying Starck’s timeless designs with Barbie’s enduring allure, the Kartell x Barbie collection not only celebrates nostalgia but also invites us to embrace the power of creativity and imagination—a testament to the transformative potential of collaboration in the world of design.

The post Kartell Reimagines Iconic Chairs In Barbie Pink At 2024 Milan Design Week first appeared on Yanko Design.

Philippe Starck designs futureproof Hydrogen refueling station disguised in an invisible cloak

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Philippe Starck is renowned for his ingenuity when it comes to enriching lives with unique creations. The acclaimed French designer and architect has proved time and again what comes to the fore when unwavering focus and brilliance are fused. In the latest venture with HRS (leading European manufacturer of hydrogen stations), Starck has created one of the most striking hydrogen refueling stations you would come across.

Dubbed HRS by Starck, the prototype of the refueling station is currently on show at the COP28 climate summit at Expo City Dubai. Being a part of the Green Zone hub (dedicated to decarbonization and energy transition) the creation leverages HRS’s high-capacity refueling prowess and Philippe’s innovation to make possible such a resourceful collaboration.

Designer: Philippe Starck

Amplifying the core idea of clean fuel transition, the fuelling station takes an almost invisible form, just like Hydrogen which is inherently a colorless, clean gas. The fuelling station is made out of polished reflective steel material, as Philippe envisioned it in his mind to have the essence of disappearance. From the very beginning, Starck was crystal clear about the form of the HRS by Starck hydrogen refueling station. This smart-looking device mimics the character of disappearance, dissolving from the viewers’ eyesight, only to reflect the surroundings.

From a distance, the onlookers can only make the distinction when viewing the sunset orange hue from inside the dispenser column on one side. Interestingly, as the viewer has a closer look and peeks inside the rig, it’s almost empty. Obviously, Starck wasn’t going to stop at this, so he added optical effects known as dichroism. For this, the dispenser is fitted with a dichroic-treated glass panel. That is, the refueling rig changes color even though is completely colorless.

The designer wants to dematerialize the design of the refueling rig, thereby making it unobstructed and shifting attention toward the transparent nature of the clean gas. Coming on to the practical aspect of HRS by Starck, the design is modular and scalable. It can dispense hydrogen for vehicles including cars, HGVs, buses, trains, construction machinery and even boats. The dispenser comes with two pressure settings – 350 bar and 700 bar for multi-vehicle compatibility.

The refueling dispenser is all set to be operational by 2024 if the project doesn’t hit any speedbumps. Truly, this design revolving around “elegant and intelligent energy” is all set to serve the future.

The post Philippe Starck designs futureproof Hydrogen refueling station disguised in an invisible cloak first appeared on Yanko Design.

Alessi’s first foray into furniture collection with Philippe Starck is inspired by frying pans

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It’s normal for furniture designers to find inspiration from some pretty unusual sources. We’ve seen things that were inspired by nature, pop culture, art, architecture, and sometimes even science fiction. Sometimes we even get companies that are not necessarily furniture makers to create a line inspired by their original products to commemorate something or just because they can. It’s always interesting to see these kinds of collaborations and now we’re getting chairs inspired by the most unlikely of things: pans.

Designer: Philippe Starck for Alessi

Italian brand Alessi is mostly known for their kitchenware like coffee machines, toasters, and cutlery among other things. They have now created a furniture line in collaboration with French industrial architect and designer Philippe Starck. We’ve seen the latter’s minimalist yet unique designs on various furniture and now we’re seeing his vision applied to the Poêle Collection, a series of furniture that is uniquely inspired by Alessi’s frying pans. What we get are chairs, stools, and a coat rack that look sleek and contemporary.

The furniture are mostly made from metal elements, just like their frying pans for which the collection is named after. Because of the material, the furniture have a fluid look and mirror polish to it and it looks like anyone sitting might slide off at one point. The wooden elements help keep it grounded and adds an organic component to the furniture line. You get two kinds of chairs, a high stool, and a low stool, all using brown dye beech wood as their structure. There’s also a hanger coat stand that is mostly wood but has chrome-plated metal mirrors as inserts.

This collaboration has been twenty years in the making. Alberto Alessi says he has been trying to create something with Starck, asking if it was possible to create something using their cold-press metal high-technology. What started out as apparently a serious joke is now a reality and made its debut at the Milan Design Week. If your house has an industrial or metal aesthetic, then the Poêle Collection would look right at home there.

The post Alessi’s first foray into furniture collection with Philippe Starck is inspired by frying pans first appeared on Yanko Design.

Philippe Starck biotech eyewear using forged carbon is inspired by nature in more ways than one

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There is finally fashionable eyewear that not only lets you see better but also makes you feel better about the environment.

Eyewear, especially eyeglasses, seem to embody complete opposites. They are one of the most utilitarian accessories we put on our bodies, yet they also need to be the most elegant because they’re always on our faces for everyone to see. Many people depend on them in order to even function properly, and yet these glasses are sometimes broken too easily and replaced too often. It seems, however, that famed designer Philippe Starck has found a way to solve this puzzle, and, like many good designs, he only needed to look to nature and the human body for the answers.

Designer: Philippe Starck in collaboration with Luxottica

If there wasn’t yet a study on the material waste created by discarded eyewear frames, there probably should be one. Made from a mix of metal and plastic, these eyeglasses might not be the most sustainable accessories we put on our bodies and faces. True to his vision of democratic design, Mr. Starck has created the BIOTECH PARIS collection that solves two eyewear design problems in one go.

Philippe Starck and Luxottica collaborated on this new STARCK BIOTECH PARIS collection to bring stylish eyewear that’s both more ergonomic and more sustainable as well. The PARIS eyewear collection uses forged carbon, a material renowned for its lightweight yet highly resistant properties and employed in automotive and aeronautic industries. The difference that Starck makes is that the frames use fiber models and bio-based acetate, the latter of which is 67% made from renewable resources. As a bonus, chopped carbon fiber creates a random pattern that adds some character to the minimalist frames.

The material meets the designer’s vision of using science and technology to minimize waste by actually using fewer materials. This design philosophy is perhaps best expressed by Philippe Starck himself. “Technology is one of the greatest symptoms of human intelligence. Even when we use the highest technologies, we are still working as craftsmen. This is my definition of Honesty.”

The eyeglasses also take inspiration from the human shoulder in order to deliver the comfort and flexibility that escapes most eyewear. Dubbing it BIOLINK, the mechanism offers 360-degree multidirectional freedom of movement, just like human shoulders, for a comfortable fit, no matter the wearer’s head shape or preferences. There is also a SPHERE type of eyewear with a screw-less articulation that makes the movement feel more organic and reduces the overall weight of the frame.

The post Philippe Starck biotech eyewear using forged carbon is inspired by nature in more ways than one first appeared on Yanko Design.

YD JOB ALERT: Philippe Starck is looking to recruit a Junior Interior Architect

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It isn’t everyday that one gets the opportunity to meet Philippe Starck, let alone work with him! The Parisian all-round designer is probably one of the best known names in the industry. Having formed his studio ‘Starck’ in 1970, Philippe worked on a massive variety of projects spanning categories like architecture, furniture design, consumer goods, luxury goods, packaging, and even dabbling with occasional transportation design projects. Philippe has also been lauded for factoring in his philosophy of Democratic Design into his work. Starck has been extremely vocal of his avoidance of unethical projects such as arms, alcohol, tobacco, oil and religion. He has also always implements ethical and ecological aspects into all of his creations but he also loves to inject fun into his designs and the combination of these three elements are always poetic, rebellious and definitely beautiful. His studio, Starck Network Agency, is looking to hire a Junior Interior Architect who shares these views along with a passion for design and learning.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The STARCK agency develops projects in France, the Middle East, the USA and Brazil. In the continuity of our development, we are looking for a Junior Interior Designer Hotel Restaurant H / F.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with a senior project manager who will manage and supervise you
• You will be involved in global hotel projects
• You will be in charge of global design projects including hotels and restaurants in France and abroad (Sketches, APS, APD, DCE) as well as the application of architectural and development concepts, in liaison with the architect and external service providers, in terms of coordination / quality and compliance with Starck specifications

REQUIREMENTS

Training school of interior architecture (Ecole bleue, ENSAAMA, Ecole Boulle, Camondo ou Ensad,…) or a similar architecture school. You have at least 2 years of experience on similar functions, imperatively in a hotel and restaurant universe. You have a successful experience in space and furniture design.

You are fluent in English (necessary).

You have a real affinity with the hospitality environment, an excellent graphic expression and you master the software such as Autocad LT, Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup and the Office Pack. Relational and organizational skills, responsiveness, proven creative sense and good management of priorities are essential to succeed in the job.

As part of your missions, travel will be expected.

HOW TO APPLY

Send CV and Portfolio in PDF format by email only (maximum 3MB) to adeline@starcknetwork.eu

LOCATION

Paris, France.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Visit the YD Job Board to view similar jobs or to post a Job Opening.

With Starck’s Power Dock, Bentley goes electric!

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Collaborating with design powerhouse Philippe Starck, maker of iconic objects from Alessi’s Juicy Salif citrus juicer to Axor’s Axor Starck V faucets, Bentley hopes to get their brand of luxury on the electric automotive bandwagon. A Bentley owner himself, Philippe Starck designed Bentley’s Power Dock, a charging station to be used with the automotive company’s Bentayga Hybrid model.

Described as “avant-garde high-tech”, Starck’s Power Dock is distinct looking, with its metal dome, vertical screen, and golden background introduces a touch of luxury to electrification, while at its heart, looking soft and approachable, encouraging users to plug in their car more often.

The Power Dock can be wall mounted and even comes with a stand of its own, giving it the appearance of a car horn, with its bulb and horn impression, making it, once again, look familiar, rather than daunting or frightening (case in point – Tesla’s ‘metal snake’ self docking charging arm).

Designer: Philippe Starck for Bentley

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The End of Lost!

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Designed by renowned creator Philippe Starck, the “FOUND YOU!” collection of four connected accessories aims to help you find a handful of specific items directly from your smartphone. Keys? “Voila!” instantly attaches to your keys to help you track and find them with ease. Wallet? “Hopla!” is a self-adhesive, 3mm slim, card-shaped product designed to discretely integrate with your wallet. Pets? “Aha!” is a medal-shaped tag that attaches beautifully to your pet’s collar in case he or she runs away. Teddy bear? Created for kids, “Ta-da!” is a unique soft toy with integrated tech to help you track and find it. If lost, it also glows in the dark at night!

Designer: Philippe Starck for Wistiki

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Dog Shaped Desk by Philippe Starck

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dog shaped desk Dog Shaped Desk by Philippe Starck
When I was a kid my desk was a plank of wood on top of two milk crates. And the crates weren’t even the same size, I had to do all my work at a funky angle. Those were days. Kids today have it so much better with these sweet modern desk design by Philippe Starck. This kid’s desk called Le Chien Savant (which means the performing dog, or something like that) and it looks like a sweet pooch. Action shots:
dog shaped desk in use Dog Shaped Desk by Philippe Starck
Kids can sit right on the dog’s back and work on his head- something that we can’t recommend you do with a real dog. The desk is made of rotational-molded polyethylene and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Be forewarned kids who are not reading this blog, I’m not sure if you can use the “dog ate my homework” excuse with this desk. (via iihih)

Dog Shaped Desk by Philippe Starck
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The Engadget Interview: Parrot CEO Henri Seydoux

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The Engadget Interview Parrot CEO Henri Seydoux

This man sure knows how to entertain photogs, but he's much more than just a charming French poser. Meet Henri Seydoux, the founder, chairman and CEO of today's multi-talented Parrot. While promoting the recently launched Zikmu Solo wireless speaker in Hong Kong, Seydoux sat down with us to share the amusing story behind himself and his company. Check out the video after the break to hear how Seydoux's encounter with Roland Moreno, the inventor of the smart card, made him drop journalism in favor of software engineering, as well as his detailed explanation on why many Bluetooth audio products suck, and how Bluetooth will continue to rule the world "like Beyoncé." Enjoy!

Continue reading The Engadget Interview: Parrot CEO Henri Seydoux

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The Engadget Interview: Parrot CEO Henri Seydoux originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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