Philippe Starck, born in Paris in 1949, is an internationally renowned French designer, architect, and inventor. His prolific career, which began in the 1970s, has seen him become a central figure in global design, particularly since the 1980s when he designed the private apartments of the Élysée Palace for President François Mitterrand. His work ranges from product design to architecture and interiors. Among his most iconic creations are the Juicy Salif citrus squeezer for Alessi, the transparent Louis Ghost chair for Kartell, and the Miss K lamp for Flos. He has also designed the interiors of famous hotels, such as the Royalton and Paramount in New York, and has ventured into vehicle design, including the Venus yacht for Steve Jobs. His approach is often guided by the concept of "democratic design," aimed at improving the lives of as many people as possible. For his vast and influential contribution, he has received numerous awards and accolades worldwide, consolidating his status as a master of contemporary design.