New Classics: Philippe Starck's Masters Chair for Kartell
Its sinuous silhouette pays homage to three iconic midcentury modern chair designs, but this seat is worth coveting in its own right
Something about this chair is oddly familiar. While I can never see the doggone sailboat in those dotty posters in the mall, I can very clearly see the backs of the Series 7 Chair by Arne Jacobsen, the Tulip Armchair by Eero Saarinen and the Eames Eiffel Chair by Charles Eames outlined on the back of Philippe Starck's Masters Chair. In honoring these modern furniture masters, Starck has created something exciting and new. While I've heard more musical mashups than I ever cared to lately (I blame Glee), the Masters Chair has me chomping at the bit for more furniture mashups, whether they're a success like this one or a total disaster. See the chair in action below and decide whether or not you think it's working.
Can you see the outlines of the aforementioned modern icons? I put together a mini Masters Chair ideabook to help.
Kartell Masters Chair
Because the chair is made of polypropylene (that is, plastic), it can add major style outdoors. Stark black and white are a nice contrast to this weathered decking.
Kartell Masters Chair
In addition to the most popular options, black and white, the chair is available in gray, sage green, rusty orange and mustard.
Homeowner Daniel Vianna curated his apartment in Brooklyn to be "a showroom for modern industrial design," he says, and the Masters Chair is part of the mix. By the way, we've covered almost every other chair featured in his home, and the Saarinen table Vianna chose was featured in our Modern Icons/New Classics series.
Speaking of mixing, the chair mingles well with other Starck designs. This roof deck has a child-size Ghost Chair and a Gnome Side Table.
A mix of black and white chairs adds interesting curved lines to this minimalist open space.
A glass tabletop allows an almost completely clear view of the chairs. The straight lines of the table's base are a nice contrast to the Master's curves.
Because of its sophisticated form, the Masters is one of the few plastic, outdoor-suitable chairs that works in a luxe bedroom.
More:
Browse more accent chairs
More:
Browse more accent chairs