Philippe Starck (1949 - ?)

Philippe Starck is a French designer and interior architect. He was born in Paris in 1949. Son of an aeronautical engineer, he began studying design at the Camondo school. In 1969, he was hired by the designer Pierre Cardin as Artistic Director of his publishing house. In the 1970s, he operated as an independent designer.

He is undoubtedly one of the most famous designers of the 1980s. He is at the origin of the popularization of design not only in France but also internationally. Indeed, his work is intended for the whole of society, he wants "to improve quality while striving to make it accessible to the greatest number, with fair prices. ". His worldwide fame is then ensured by his work but also his prestigious orders. The designer conceives all types of everyday objects and works for multiple editors, Vitra, Disform, Baleri, XO, Flos, Alessi, 3 Suisses, Daum, Idée...

In 1980, he created his design agency, Starck Product, later renamed Ubik. This name comes from a science fiction novel of the same name written by Philip K. Dick, which plays a significant role in his work since the latter has referred to several of his characters. In 1982, François Mitterrand, then President, asked him to rethink the decoration of the apartments of the Élysée Palace in collaboration with four other designers. He also designed the Café Costes in 1984 in Paris, which greatly contributed to his international reputation. He has completed numerous projects abroad, including the Royalton Hotel in 1988 in New York and Paramount in 1990. He has also worked on the interior design of several nightclubs, restaurants and private residences.

Starck's design reflects the art of innovation, including reflections on immateriality and especially an ethical approach to space. For the creator, design is only legitimate if it has a usefulness, whether political or militant and even humorous, thus contributing to improving the life of society. In this sense, it aims to respond to contemporary constraints. He refuses explosive approaches and remains