His connection to AXOR is a defining chapter in the world of bathroom design: in 1994, AXOR and Philippe Starck revolutionized the industry with the Salon d’Eau (“Water Salon”)—a concept that positions the bathroom as a modern living space rather than just a functional room, which also marked the birth of the first AXOR bathroom collection. What was groundbreaking then has become a classic over the years. This collaboration, spanning over 30 years, has redefined the experience, materiality, and aesthetics of water in the private sphere.

At the heart of this revolution was the AXOR Starck collection. Starck himself describes the idea as something simple: a love for water, and the understanding that the more you clutter it with material and form, the more its beauty disappears. He therefore sought a “structural” shape that respects water, arriving at an almost primitive-human image: a farm/well water pump—a basic historical source for bringing water. The collection was translated into a minimalist language that distills the faucet to its essence: two “pipes” and a joystick control—all to direct attention back to the water itself: its luxury, its pleasure, and its necessity.

Starck’s stance was also distinctly anti-trend. He recounts that the great challenge was “fighting trends” and the approach of replacing a faucet or sink like fast fashion; for him, true success is a timeless product with nothing superfluous—quality, intelligence, ergonomics, and vision that last for decades. This is precisely why, even after more than 30 years, the collection continues to be perceived as relevant and as an icon that redefines what bathroom design is.

At the heart of the collection lies an archetypal shape inspired by a traditional well pump – an almost primal, human image that returns us to our fundamental relationship with water. Starck distills the faucet to its essence: a minimalist body housing an ultra-slim cartridge for flow regulation, and two clean cylinders – a vertical base and a slanted spout – with intuitive joystick control and a choice of a pin or 'feather' handle. The result is a timeless icon that shifts the focus from the product to what flows through it: the luxury of water, the pleasure of it, and the necessity of it.
In the shower, the language remains radically simple: a floor-standing shower faucet that places water at the center, with precise thermostatic control and RainAir technology that envelops the body in ultra-gentle droplets. With the hand shower, one can choose between an enveloping Rain spray or a focused MonoRain spray. In the bath area, the collection offers a variety of installation solutions – from exposed or concealed versions, to two-handle versions, to rim-mounted (four-hole) installation – alongside a floor-standing bath faucet that brings an iconic presence to freestanding bathtubs. And for those seeking the ultimate in modern convenience, an electronic touchless version for the basin is also available.

V for vitality. V for visionary. V for vortex.
In this series, Starck transforms water into a visual experience. The faucet body is specially designed to sculpt water into a swirling vortex—transparent yet present, constant yet ever-changing. The body is crafted from perfect crystal glass or matte milk-white porcelain, rotates 360 degrees for precise and convenient positioning, and detaches with a single click for thorough cleaning—by hand or in the dishwasher—featuring a mechanism that prevents water waste during detachment.
The series comes in single-handle or two-hole versions, with an elegant pin handle that activates the flow with ease. The flow remains water-efficient (4 liters per minute), and the base is offered in a wide range of AXOR FinishPlus finishes, allowing the object to become a sculptural centerpiece in the bathroom. In the diamond-cut or faceted versions, the base captures light and refracts it into sparkling patterns that enhance the drama of the vortex.
Behind the magic lies precision engineering: a dedicated "jet designer" creates the swirl, and the intensity of the vortex can be adjusted using a simple Allen key included in the kit. The result is a creation that is simultaneously a faucet, a fountain, and an objet d'art—a daily reminder of the wonder of clean water.
Ultimately, Starck succeeds at AXOR precisely because of what he refuses to do: chase trends. Instead, he offers timelessness—a design based on essence, ergonomics, and experience. It is minimalism with meaning, placing water back at the center and allowing every bathroom to be truly personal.