‘I am dead now, I feel so free!’ – philippe starck’s acceptance speech at THE DESIGN PRIZE

'now you've given me this end of life achievement, and for the first time there’s something which is true – I am dead! thank you very much!'

juliana neira April 16, 2019 3 min

‘thank you very much — I am dead now, I feel so free!’, were the humorous words philippe starck pronounced during his LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT award acceptance speech at THE DESIGN PRIZE 2019. the french designer was handed the golden madonnina by stefano boeri, president of the triennale milano and member of the jury, during a ceremony that saw a radiant roster of creative luminaries united on the roof of the duomo.

‘I am dead now, I feel so free!’ - philippe starck's acceptance speech at THE DESIGN PRIZE designboom
stefano boeri presents philippe starck with the golden madonnina. starck also invited michele de lucchi’s son, arturo, to the stage to celebrate his father’s nomination and career spanning achievements

always focused on his vision, starck firmly believes that creation — whatever form it takes — must improve the lives of as many people as possible. this philosophy has made him one of the pioneers and central figures of the concept of democratic design. for this, and for his outstanding body of work, he was awarded THE DESIGN PRIZE on the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT category.

‘I am dead now, I feel so free!’ - philippe starck's acceptance speech at THE DESIGN PRIZE designboom
starck accepting the antonio aricò-designed statuette on stage

‘thank you very much for this award because you know, a lot of people ask me why I work so much, why I work all the time night and day. there’s only one reason: I was born with a sickness and that sickness is that I never feel alive. all my life I’ve had a doubt on my life, that’s why I try to exist so much. but now you give me this end of life achievement and for the first time there’s something which is true, I am dead! thank you very much!’ – philippe starck

watch the video above to enjoy the whole speech and see the winners of the night here.

‘I am dead now, I feel so free!’ - philippe starck's acceptance speech at THE DESIGN PRIZE designboom
philippe starck arrives on stage to collect THE DESIGN PRIZE 2019 for lifetime achievement

‘I am dead now, I feel so free!’ - philippe starck's acceptance speech at THE DESIGN PRIZE designboom
philippe and his wife jasmine starck at THE DESIGN PRIZE photocall

‘I am dead now, I feel so free!’ - philippe starck's acceptance speech at THE DESIGN PRIZE - 1
starck on stage with all of the evening’s nominees and winners

‘I am dead now, I feel so free!’ - philippe starck's acceptance speech at THE DESIGN PRIZE - 2
THE DESIGN PRIZE gala took place during milan design week 2019

THE DESIGN PRIZE is energised by edison

edison, one of the largest energy companies in italy, has been a partner and promoter of the initiative since its inception in 2017. this year, edison continues its collaboration with THE DESIGN PRIZE, the international award dedicated to project culture, which is also a virtuous expression of co-planning based on the efficient use of resources for the construction of a sustainable future. edison brings its unique experience, know-how, and 130-year-long history in the energy sector to the design prize, helping foster a horizontal approach to design. together with the leading professionals and architects, edison proposes intelligent solutions for cities and people in favor of a more evolved and sustainable lifestyle.