Heralded at the their initial release in 2001 as a rupture with the past and a new direction for the future of horology, the wristwatches of Richard Mille were from their very inception, extraordinary and uncompromising creations. Within a span of only six years, the young brand can lay claim to more than seventeen different world premiere innovations in the applications of new materials and design that have seriously extended the entire gamut of horological knowledge and invention. This 21st century extension and adaptation of the essential qualities and principles behind haute horlogerie is central to the philosophy that drives Richard Mille Watches, and forms the basis from which every new creation is conceived. Philippe Starck Born January 18, 1949, a world renowned French designer and probably the best known designer in the New Design style, his genre ranges from individual interiors to mass produced consumer goods such as toothbrushes and chairs. He was educated in Paris at the Ecole Nissim de Camondo and founded his first design firm in 1968, specializing in inflatable objects. In 1969 he became art director of his firm along with Pierre Cardin. Since 1975 Starck has worked independently as both an interior designer and product designer. Most notably he has created a number of relatively inexpensive product designs for the large American retailer Target Stores. Unlike most other New Design artists, Starck's work does not concentrate on the creation of provocative and expensive single pieces. Instead his product designs are of usable household items which Starck himself helps to market. His products are often stylized, streamlined and organic in their look and are also constructed using unusual combinations of materials (such as glass and stone, plastic and aluminum, plush fabric and chrome, etc...). Two of these designs include stylish toothbrushes (1989) and a sleek lemon press dubbed the Juicy Salif (1990). The Juicy Salif, in fact, has since become an affordable and popular cult item. A notable and world famous interior design job executed by Starck was for the Café Costes in Paris (1984).