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The La Marie (made by Kartell) was introduced in 1998, and is the world’s first completely transparent chair made from a single polycarbonate mould.
Image: Lifestorey
Why we love it
It looks almost weightless, but is extraordinarily strong and durable. The La Marie, besides being sturdy, is also resistant to bumps and scratches. It is stackable (up to seven chairs) and is also easy to clean.
Besides the transparent version, the La Marie also comes in four different shades: violet, light yellow, pinky orange, and light orange. Its apparent lightness and refreshing colours make it a versatile seat for both indoors and outdoors – the transparent model bringing airiness to a clean, modern space, or the vibrant versions adding a pop of colour to a minimalist scheme.
Who designed it
The La Marie is designed by French designer Philippe Starck, who is widely known for his product designs, from furniture for Kartell, and lighting for Flos, to toothbrushes for Alessi and watches from Fossil. His stellar career started when he designed the interiors for the private apartment of French president Francios Mitterand in 1982. He has since then designed hotels, restaurants, yachts and even windmills.
Image: Lifestorey
What it inspired
After La Marie, Starck expanded the series of polycarbonate pieces with the Ghost chairs, named after European monarchs whose period styles inspired his designs. Among the series is the Louis Ghost, a reinvention of the classic Louis XV armchair. Other iconic designs in the Ghost family are the baroque-style Victoria chair, the 19th century-inspired Charles stool, and the “baby” version of the Louis Ghost, the Lou Lou children’s armchair.
The La Marie is available at Lifestorey.