The craze for certain products from the Swedish giant is, on occasion, beyond belief. And this time, it’s a piece resold for up to ten times its original price which is causing panic on the web.
On the day of the official release of the collab’ in France, impressive queues formed in front of several yellow and blue stores. And once inside, there was a rush: some left with not one, not two, not three, but dozens of coins. Some for their personal use, others for business.
Even before its release in stores, on October 1, the collaboration between IKEA and designer Gustaf Westman was already making a lot of noise. And for good reason, this young Swedish talent is one of the creators to follow closely, as we appreciate his instantly recognizable objects. A clever mix of rounded and voluptuous shapes (“curvy” or “chunky”), bright or pastel colors and a resolutely playful tone, sometimes ironic, but always functional, the Westman style seduces Instagram and all lovers of beauty, including us, have its cult mirrors and vases in their wish list.
First iconic piece unveiled this summer to whet our appetite: the baby blue dumpling dish! Able to accommodate and display no less than 11 balls – yes, we counted them – which made IKEA’s reputation, it was already a small event in itself, but it was only a foretaste.
The object of all desires? The STRÅLA LED table lamp, in candy pink plastic, sold for 9.99 euros at IKEA. Out of stock across the country, it is now available at 100 euros on Leboncoin, ten times its price. Something to make you smile… or cringe. In its wake, the Vinterfint plates and vase (29.99 euros) also sell for between 60 and 80 euros second hand.
A revealing phenomenon of our time, where rarity and “accessible design” become objects of speculation. So, a stroke of marketing genius or simple excitement? One thing is certain: at IKEA, even a 10 euro lamp can become a design icon.
