Mid Century Modern Italian Atlantide Toy Plastic Chairs By Philippe Starck For Driade, 1990s, Set Of 4

This set of four Atlantide Collection Toy chairs was designed by Philippe Starck for the Italian manufacturer Driade in 1990. Toy is the quintessential chair. A concentration of elegance and intelligence, it is one of the most recognizable examples of this designer's minimalist utility design. It symbolizes Starck's creativity and vision, as well as his determination to offer the right product at the right price. The chair is made entirely of molded polypropylene, giving it a simple, monolithic form. It appears as if carved from a single block of material. Its distinctive sharp edges, wide armrests, and geometric silhouette give it an almost sculptural appearance. Produced using advanced gas-assisted injection technology, the Toy chair is both lightweight and durable. We present the chairs in pastel colors: two grays, one a lighter yellow-orange, and one darker in the same tone. Despite its austere character, Toy is a highly practical piece of furniture. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, such as in the garden, on the terrace, patio, or balcony. The chairs are stackable for easy storage. Starck's design combines aesthetics and functionality. It's simple yet effective. Designer, yet durable for everyday use. This furniture fits seamlessly into modern interiors and public spaces, and its form makes it a perfect focal point. All pieces are signed under the seat.

Philippe Starck was born in 1949 in Paris. He is a versatile artist. He discovered his inspirations and interests thanks to his father, who was an aeronautical engineer. Starck is an architect known for a wide range of projects that include interiors, architecture, household items, furniture, boats and other vehicles. He designed furniture for the Elysée Palace for the then French President François Mitterrand. Since 1981, he has been designing for the original brand XO DESIGN. In 2010, he created the Zartan chair for Magis entirely made of natural material such as bamboo, linen and hemp fibres, a non-toxic and biodegradable alternative to replace plastic. In 2012, he created Broom for Emeco, an anti-waste chair made of materials collected in wood and plastic factories. In 2019, he released Cassina Croque la pomme a furniture collection for Cassina, entirely made of vegan fabric, made of apple leather. In 2018, Starck collaborated with Axiom Space and created the interior of the housing module of the International Space Station. In 2019, the audience was presented with the so-called A.I. chair. Starck works with experts from 3D software company Autodesk and created the design of the chair with the help of artificial intelligence. He cooperates with, among others with companies: Alessi, Kartell, Magis, Aprilla, JC Decaux, Puma AG. Starck's work can be seen in the collections of European and American museums, including the Musée National d'Art Moderne, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the MOMA and Brooklyn Museum in New York, the Vitra Design Museum in Basel and the Design Museum in London. Over 660 of his designs were inventoried in French public collections in 2011. Starck's concept of democratic design led him to focus on mass-produced consumer goods rather than disposable pieces, seeking ways to reduce costs and improve the quality of mass-market goods.

Driade is an Italian manufacturer founded in 1968. Known as an aesthetic laboratory, it combines geometry, rational design, and unique design. Seeking creativity in every project is a mission they have pursued from day one. Draide creates unique, one-of-a-kind, and unconventional products with a focus on innovation. Over the years, the company has collaborated with numerous renowned designers and has received numerous international awards and distinctions.

The chairs are in their original vintage condition with minor signs of use, abrasions, scratches, and fading. The seat height is 43 cm.

The colors of the products shown in the photos may differ slightly from the actual ones. This is due to individual monitor settings and lighting conditions – the photos were taken in artificial light, which may affect the perception of colors. However, we strive to ensure that the photos reflect the actual appearance of the product as faithfully as possible. The offer may include photos of item in the living space, but these are for illustrative purposes only.

Identifying Marks This piece has an attribution mark
Style Vintage, Mid-Century, Design Classics, Modernist
Width 52 cm
Depth 53 cm
Height 77 cm
Seat Height 43 cm

Condition report:

Good — This vintage/antique item may have some wear such as scratches and other signs of ageing.
Restoration and Damage Details
Light wear consistent with age and use, Patina consistent with age and use, Some abrasions, scratches, and fading

Additional dimensions information:

Seat Height 43 cm