Philippe Starck ‘Costes’ Chair for Aleph
Italy, designed 1984
An icon of late 20th-century design, the ‘Costes’ chair by Philippe Starck was originally created in 1984 for the Parisian café of the same name. With its enveloping three-legged form and pared-back elegance, it quickly became one of Starck’s most recognisable and enduring pieces.
This example features a sleek, black lacquered plywood shell that curves in a continuous sweep to form the back and arms, punctuated by the distinctive circular cut-out to the rear. A deep, black leather seat cushion adds comfort and a subtle textural contrast to the crisp geometry of the frame.
Supported on three tubular steel legs—two to the front and a single rear leg—the design achieves both stability and visual lightness. Minimal yet full of character, it’s equally at home around a dining table, at a desk, or as a standalone statement chair.
Dimensions:
Height: 80 cm
Width: 47 cm
Depth: 50 cm
Seat height: 45 cm
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with minor surface wear to the lacquer and light patina to the leather consistent with age and use.
Delivery
This piece requires specialist courier delivery. We work with trusted carriers experienced in handling vintage and design objects. Delivery is charged at cost and depends on your location — we’ll be in touch to confirm a tailored quote once you place your order. If you’d like an estimate beforehand, just drop us a line.
