Philippe Starck, genius of contemporary architecture and design is experimenting, for the first time, with fashion to create a Ballantyne collection for men and woman.  To discover an object or a place designed by Starck is to walk into a world of vivid imagination and to live fantasy.  For more than 30 years, this unconventional creator, designer and architect has been boldly present in our everyday, creating objects that are "good" before they are beautiful, and iconic destinations that are pure poetry and change the vision of life.

Starck’s early inspiration came from his father who was an aircraft engineer and manufacturer.  Several years and several prototypes later, and Philippe Starck was commissioned to work for French President François Mitterrand. Also at this time he started creating furniture for leading Italian and international editors.

Through his concept of Democratic Design, which is to "give the best to as many people as possible," Starck appeared like a pioneer when design was turned exclusively towards an elite.  There is little that he has not set his hand to: from furniture and family products to houses to be sold by mail order, from motorbikes to mega yachts, and even art direction for space projects, among others.
The experience, tradition and international prestige of Ballantyne, the brand that since 1921 has been the synonymous with the most refined techniques and know how in cashmere knitwear, has been chosen by the internationally renowned creator to formulate a new project and brand, Starck With Ballantyne.

The collection includes a combination of multi function garments, with new ergonomics and contemporary fittings.  Its ethos is “the right cashmere, at the right time, for the right purpose”. Composed of 30 pieces for men and 30 for women, Starck With Ballantyne fits in line with the needs of today's life. It is aimed at men and woman who cherish longevity and value modern heritage but embrace the use of modern, technical fabrics.  

The materials and garments are all exclusively Ballantyne, researched by Philippe Starck in the Ballantyne site of Innerleithen.  Wet-out cashmere dominates the collection, as do silk linings for lighter garments, practical hoods on knitwear and outerwear and teddy bear detachable waistcoats.  Highly practical pockets are deliberately camouflaged to maintain the linearity and clean formality of the collection. For both men’s and women’s knitwear, a touch of sophisticated personality is provided by the contrasting fluorescent colored linings. The little sleights of hand, such as the foldable collar, increase the versatility of the outerwear pieces.

Starck’s vision was to emphasise the natural versatility of cashmere with the expression of humour, sexiness and desirability, in a modern, yet timeless, classic approach.  His, and Ballantyne’s ultimate aim, was to offer exquisite style, practicality and quality to their clients.

Starck, an indefatigable and rebellious citizen of the world considers it his duty to share his ethic and subversive vision of a fairer world.  He continues to be tuned in to our dreams, desires and needs by making his work a political and civic act but always with his love and humour.

Starck With Ballantyne will be on sale from October 2009 in Ballantyne flagship stores and selected multi-brand stores.  Ballantyne  will dedicate its new London store in Notting Hill exclusively to the Starck With Ballantyne collection.

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