We spotted these sconces over at Design Therapy last night and had to share. Created by Philippe Starck for his new new hotel venture Mama Shelter, located outside Paris, the sconces are really made of just a two easily acquired items; a hanging task light, and a Halloween mask.
We've found Starck's recent work too be a little self-referential for it's own good, but we think these are pretty great, especially considering how easy they would be to construct at home...
Utilizing a few simple and readily available pieces, these could be made in minutes. Mounted directly to the wall using a basic hook, the mask could be affixed to the work light using almost anything (we're thinking zip-ties), and is kept fire-safe clear of the bulb by the protective cage.
It's likely these work due mostly to the minimal environment they've been placed it. As the only real source of character and play, they stand out and bring the room to life, and placed in a busier room, we doubt they would be quite so striking. Still, we love their wit, and given the right context, these could work wonderfully.
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I'm unimpressed
That would scare the crap out of me.
err...it looks cold. And the lamps are a bit weird to have right next to the bed. I'd hate to wake from a fitful sleep and have to confront them.
You guys are just playing with us, aren't you? You know this is hideous, dumb and guaranteed to get 1,000s of outraged posts.
The pictures alone scared me, I can't imagine waking up and rolling over to Chewbacca's face. Yikes!
Yeah... I'll pass on having a pair of glowing soulless faces on my wall. That lit headboard is pretty nifty though.
Two things: One-- Those masks are hideous and would induce too many creepy nightmares. And two--- who on earth would put a computer screen up that high? Can you imagine writing a paper with your head tilted up like that for more than like one minute? Ouch.
Just so awful in so many ways. I can't believe some hotel actually paid Starck for this crap.
"Mounted directly to the wall using a basic hook"... Where should you place is the word "tacky" in that clause.
This would be cute DIY for a kitschy decor or a Halloween party. But with or without Starck's name, this is poop. Giving it a snooty review or placing it in a "boutique hotel" won't help. I think Wal-Mart would be a better outlet. Perhaps Starck's surrounded by too many brown-nosers. Sad that he's lost his judgment at such a young age. Someone should give him better advice about what he puts his name on.
Of course, this could all be the result of rampant licensing of celebrity names. Poor Philippe might have had nothing to do with these.
These are great. Although I would almost prefer them in a more extreme, over the top space. They seem designed for color and clutter, a room with character. Here they are nice, but I can understand how someone would fine them creepy in a room that feels like a cement catacomb.
i love all the comments on here...
and i agree, starck the brand has transcended starck the design...
maybe for a halloween party, but other than that, no way.
Oh my dog, those are creepy!
WOW! can we say "uptight"? I instantly thought these were pretty dang creative, and just a wee bit spooky. But I like a bit of eerie with my kitschy. I think this world is big enough for all kinds of design. Can I get a "hell yeah" from the freaky-mask-light lovers out there?
I think they're hilarious and if you got a bunch of presidential masks it could even be kind of cool to hang a bunch over a sideboard or something, if you were so inclined.
hell yeah
I like them, too. Alas, I am a minority.
Didnt Starck make some sort of threat (promise?) that he wouldnt make anything any more? When will he make good on that?
i stayed at this hotel about a month ago. the hotel was quite nice (albeit the rooms were tiny).. the lights i thought were interesting but poorly executed. they still had the price tags on them (you could see them when the light was on) and the lights were never flush with the masks. good idea, but poorly executed.
It's shocking to think that Starck cashed someone's check and then handed them this.
@halo360x Hell yeah!! Just say no to haterade!
F ing Creeeee py!
In this case, I think kitschy equals creepy.