Philippe Starck Hot Bertaa

1989-1997

This is an iconic example of form over function. This spectacular water kettle was designed by celebrity designer Philippe Starck, and the minimalistic form was guided by his theory of “immoveable aerodynamics.” The kettle was a great design success but a total failure of functionality.

It was impossible to see how much water is in the kettle and the handle was impractical and unsafe. The spout spilled boiling hot water and users risked a burst of scalding hot steam in their face. The Italian manufacturer Alberto Alessi has been very open about Hot Bertaa’s failure and has described it as “our most beautiful fiasco”.

Additional info:

Financial Times  - Design horror: the Hot Bertaa kettle by Philippe Starck