Mise en Place: Dinner with Philippe Starck

Dinner with Philippe Starck

For the relaunch of a range of iconic tableware and glassware the illustrious Degrenne brand has made use of a daring, visionary creative talent. The result is a new, elegant and versatile collection that brings a new appeal to preparing, presenting and conserving dishes

by Marta Bernasconi

The colours chosen for the l’Econome set recall the vegetable world – turnip, radish, ginger yellow, swede grey and artichoke green. The table-top becomes a carousel of colours to complement food in exciting new ways

t all began in 2017 when the maison Degrenne decided to revamp its L’Econome table service, starting with the cutlery. This is the most iconic line produced by the famous company, which began operations in 1947 and was a pioneer in the use of stainless steel to create modern, affordable cutlery now regarded as a symbol of the French Art of Living. The task of updating such a symbolic product was entrusted to Philippe Starck, a designer whose quirky, unpredictable genius always has one aim – to create objects that will enhance quality of life for the greatest number of people. Always faithful to this vision of “democratic design”, the restyling mission then widened to take in cutlery items. The result is L’Econome by Starck, a new table service that provides the perfect complement to modern lifestyles. The sets of stackable plates and bowls with lid are modular and can be taken directly from the fridge to oven, oven to table and then back to the fridge. The idea of modularity and versatility saves space, time and energy in preparing and cooking everyday meals, setting tables and conserving food. This practicality is accompanied by a careful choice of materials and colours, giving L’Econome great aesthetic appeal. The lines are sober, the porcelain plays on a mix of enamelled and satin-effect surfaces and the palette of pastel colours is delicate yet light-hearted. The concept of practicality that underpins this line, which can revolutionise the dynamics of the table setting, was inspired by a central figure in Philippe Starck’s childhood. The designer relates that his grandmother was an exceptional cook who had a very unusual way of revealing her dishes – from the sideboard she would take lovely salad bowls covered with a plate “to keep away bees and inquisitive people”, and at table she would create a surprise effect by lifting the plate to release wonderful aromas and reveal a riot of colours. After the meal the plate would once again be placed over the dish and the dish would be returned to its place in the sideboard. The great creative talent has transformed a memory into a modern, practical and refined table setting – also perfect for on-board dining. www.degrenne.fr