Philippe Starck for Emeco

PHILIPPE STARCK (Paris, 1949) for Emeco.
Set of 6 “Kong” chairs, 2000–2009.
Aluminum and 80% recycled material, with leather and rubber-plastic components.
In good condition with slight signs of use and wear.
Measurements: 88 x 44 x 46 cm.
Set of six “Kong” chairs, designed by Philippe Starck for the American firm Emeco in 2000. The piece is characterized by its polished aluminum frame, its sinuous lines, and its enveloping backrest, which combines a sculptural presence with carefully considered ergonomics. The leather-upholstered seat provides material and color hallmarks, softening the industrial appearance of the metal.
The “Kong” design represents Starck’s personal interpretation of classic French furniture, reimagined through Emeco’s technology and artisanal craftsmanship. The model’s history is linked to the Kong restaurant in Paris, for whose interior it was originally conceived. The project allowed Starck to translate his distinctive scenographic vision into furniture design, creating a chair capable of blending into a space with a strong personality without sacrificing its functional character.
The “Kong” model is part of a fruitful partnership between Starck and Emeco, which began in the late 1990s and was solidified with designs such as “Hudson” (2000), “Heritage” (2001), and “Icon” (2006). This collaboration helped expand the firm’s repertoire beyond its iconic naval chair, demonstrating the possibilities of aluminum in contemporary design.
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.