Philippe Starck is no legend—he’s the present. The groundbreaking designer of the 20th century walks through the 21st with the freshness of a rising talent, telling a new story with each creation. He embraces the world of social media, launches capsule collections, and fully adopts the principles of sustainability and environmental care.
He taught designers to break the mold, to craft a persona like a permanent selfie, to stay in tune with innovation, to anticipate change for the sake of change itself, and to understand design as a form of communication.
ASAHI BEER HALL
La Flamme d’Or, or Golden Flame, a 360-ton sculpture, has extended its continuous blaze over the banks of Tokyo’s Sumida River since 1989. At first glance, the building represents a typical Japanese beer glass—perfectly poured—with a sinuous layer of foam on top. Flame or foam, every work by its designer has sparked debate and controversy, and this building and its symbolism were no exception to the unflattering nicknames of its time. Yet time puts everything in perspective, and in the 21st century it stands tall as a humorous gesture rising above the surrounding linearity.
JUICY SALIF – ALESSI
This piece can be found in museums such as New York’s MoMA and in design collections and exhibitions around the world. This juicer made history—along with the designer’s famous statement: “My juicer is not meant to squeeze lemons; it is meant to start conversations.” And that’s exactly what happened—the controversy began.
It was 1990, and Starck’s name, together with his juicer, circled the globe. Is it useful or not? What value does it have if it’s purely aesthetic? What are the foundations of design? Is it art or design? The answers remain unclear to many, but the conversation continues—and so does the fame of its creator. The goal was achieved.
GUN LAMP
What is virality? When this design was first released, the term didn’t yet exist. But now that online communication thrives on this collective phenomenon, it’s hard not to think of this weapon that gives light—and multiplies it through its golden reflections. “Design is my weapon,” said Starck, and after some years, the subversive and controversial Flos lamp has come to represent an object used to project a rebellious image within overly conventional spaces.
To clear up any doubts, 20% of sales from the collection are donated to Frères des Hommes, a charitable organization dedicated to eradicating poverty worldwide.
BAOBAB TABLE
A table with a playful, almost toy-like appearance that breaks away from the linearity and seriousness of traditional office interiors. With this graceful, flowing piece, Starck once again anticipated the design philosophy of companies like Yahoo or Google—where the work environment must not only feel fun but also look fun.
This one-piece desk embodies the joy of work beyond the typical ping-pong table or colorful beanbags found in meeting rooms. Together with Vitra, the designer also introduced an innovative cable management system—an elegant solution to prevent the usual tangle of cords scattered across the floor.
ALHÓNDIGA DE BILBAO / AZKUNA CENTER
In 2010, the Alhóndiga de Bilbao—now renamed Azkuna Center—regained its prominence by becoming a new cultural, social, and sports hub. Starck fell in love with both the city and the project from the very beginning; his goal was to bring design and architecture closer to everyday urban life.
The building was conceived as an agora, a public square for connection and exchange open to all. In the main space, forty-three striking, monumental pillars support the three structures that make up the complex. Each column represents a different artistic style—from Classical Greece to ancient China—and together they have become the building’s unmistakable signature.
MA COCOTTE PARIS
After an intense morning of shopping at the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen in Paris, the go-to spot is Ma Cocotte, the first restaurant opened by Philippe Starck. A regular visitor to the antique market, the designer had long dreamed of creating a place to rest and enjoy delicious dishes crafted by French chef Yannick Papin.
The interior is designed with soft, adjustable lighting to evoke a sense of calm, wrapped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Every piece of furniture and decorative object comes directly from nearby shops, making the restaurant an authentic extension of the famous Parisian flea market—everything truly stays “in the family.”
LE NUAGE (MONTPELLIER)
An inflatable building—its bubble-like shapes tempting you to pop them—is the first impression that comes to mind when you see this structure. Yet as you draw closer, that playful reaction turns into something more poetic; its transparency and lightness are truly captivating.
One of the first inflatable constructions in Europe, Le Nuage is located in the modern city of Montpellier and opened to the public in 2014. A delicate transparent membrane envelops a mixed-use space that combines retail, sports, and cultural facilities. The building’s energy and activity are constant throughout the day. Starck once again left his mark—playful, architectural, indelible, and, quite literally, “un-deflatable.”
CULINARY TOOLS. ECO–LOGICAL DESIGNS (DEGRENNE)
Degrenne, the historic French brand known for its classic kitchen utensils from the 1920s, sought a modern update—and chose Philippe Starck to bring it to life. The result, launched in 2017, was “L’Econome by Starck.”
The essential acts of peeling, cutting, and serving are all addressed here—no aesthetic acrobatics, no marketing gimmicks, and no designs meant to provoke. Both the production process and the packaging have been carefully conceived to meet eco-sustainable standards and promote greater environmental responsibility.
These simple kitchen tools—created to help us prepare and enjoy food—bring Starck closer to the essence of pure functionality, form, and use.
