Philippe Starck for Baleri Italia

PHILIPPE STARCK (Paris, 1949) for Baleri Italia.
Four “Francesca Spanish” chairs, 1980s.
Leather, wood, and metal.
Measurements: 80 x 46 x 46 cm.

Set of four “Francesca Spanish” chairs, designed by Philippe Starck for Baleri Italia in 1984. This version, less common than the original configuration with a polyurethane seat, features a combination of a metal frame and a leather seat that lends a unique richness of material to the design.The chair is characterized by its clean-lined frame, with a slightly curved backrest, integrated armrests, and tubular metal legs that extend the profile of the armrests in a continuous flow.
The model holds a significant place in the early years of the collaboration between Starck and Baleri Italia. Founded in 1984 by Enrico Baleri and Marilisa Decimo, the Italian firm committed itself from the outset to experimental design, focused on both technical innovation and formal research. The “Francesca Spanish” chair was among the first creations developed by Starck for the brand, alongside other designs that helped define its identity.
The model’s name refers to a character from *Ubik*, the science fiction novel published by Philip K. Dick in 1969, whose influence can also be found in other creations by Starck for Baleri Italia. This literary reference reveals the designer’s interest in incorporating cultural and narrative associations into everyday objects, transcending their strictly functional dimension.
Philippe Starck trained at the École Nissim de Camondo in Paris and soon embarked on a wide-ranging international career, collaborating with firms such as Driade, Alessi, Kartell, Vitra, and Disform. His reputation was cemented in the 1980s after he was commissioned to renovate the private apartments of the Élysée Palace for François Mitterrand and to design the famous Café Costes. Since then, his work has spanned furniture, lighting, interiors, architecture, and industrial design, establishing him as one of the key figures in contemporary design.