A rare and collectible pair of Lola Mundo chairs designed by Philippe Starck for Driade in 1988, a model represented in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). These sculptural chairs exemplify Starck’s playful yet engineered approach to design, combining cast aluminum cabriole-style legs with ash wood seats and backs finished in a deep ebony tone. Each seat is accented with a grid of nine pale orange / pink rubber studs arranged in three rows, while the backs feature corresponding recessed indentations that allow the studs to nest neatly when the chair folds down. This clever hinged construction, using black chromium-plated steel hardware, lets each chair transform into a compact low table or pedestal, making the pair as functional as they are sculptural. The dramatic contrast between the polished aluminum legs and the dark wood surfaces gives the chairs a striking presence from every angle. In chair form, they read as postmodern statement seating; folded down, they function as sleek, minimalist tables. Very good vintage condition with signs of wear consistent with age and use. The ebony-finished ash wood surfaces show scattered light scratches, rub marks, and a few shallow surface impressions, primarily to the tabletops and only noticeable from certain angles. One corner has a small dent to the wood finish (see photos). The cast aluminum legs have typical surface wear, including light scuffs, faint scratches, and areas of mild oxidation/patina. Hinges function smoothly. Rubber studs are secure. Structurally sturdy and present well overall, with wear typical for this model.
13.5" wide, 18.25" deep, and 33.5" high at back, seat height is 18", and table height is 19".
The tabletop is 12" wide and 16.5" deep.
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