40 - PHILIPPE STARCK (Paris, 1949) for Disform.

PHILIPPE STARCK (Paris, 1949) for Disform. Pair of "Miss Wirt" chairs. 1980s. Steel and fabric. Measurements: 112 x 60 x 45 cm. The design of the “Miss Wirt” chair is defined by a black-lacquered steel tube tripod frame that rises to culminate in an extremely tall and dramatic backrest. “Miss Wirt” plays with proportions. It resembles a minimalist and fragile throne, almost a sketch in space. It combines the industrial ruggedness of tubular metal with the simplicity and warmth of cotton fabric. Its radical design and sculptural presence have made it a collector’s item, featured in the permanent collections of museums such as MoMA and the Brooklyn Museum. Wirt was the result of a collaboration between Starck and the Spanish furniture manufacturer Disform to create a series of pieces that became icons of postmodern design. Characterized by their structural simplicity, the use of industrial materials, and evocative names (many of them inspired by characters from Philip K. Dick’s science fiction novel *Ubik*), these designs fuse minimalism with sculptural ingenuity. Among the most notable pieces from this collaboration are “Miss Wirt,” “Miss Dorn,” and “Wendy B” (also known as “Wendy Wright”). Philippe Starck (Paris, France, 1949) is a French designer and architect, considered one of the most influential figures in contemporary design. He studied at the École Nissim de Camondo in Paris and began his professional career in the 1970s, distinguishing himself through a creative approach that combines formal innovation, functionality, and experimentation with materials and industrial processes.Throughout his career, he has developed projects in furniture, lighting, household objects, interiors, and architecture. Among his most renowned designs are the Juicy Salif citrus juicer for Alessi, the Louis Ghost chair for Kartell, and the Costes chair, created for Café Costes in Paris. His work is characterized by the reinterpretation of traditional forms, a sense of humor, and the dialogue between industrial design and sculptural expression.His work has gained international recognition and is represented in the collections of institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. He has collaborated with firms such as Kartell, Alessi, Vitra, and Cassina, helping to bridge the gap between signature design and industrial production and everyday use.