Mod Who? Kartell Gnome-Attila

So I am cruising along around ModLiving.com, doing my usual morning design prowl. Admiring the ever-cool Eiffel side chair and lusting after some Blu Dot Shelving as I do almost daily, when my eye wanders to this completely unexpected little gnome. Huh? Does not compute. I was really so surprised to see such a kitschy piece among my beloved design classics. I look a little closer to find it's actually made by super sexy Italian Design firm Kartell--and gasp, looking even closer, the designer is Phillipe Starck.

I can actually really enjoy kistch--but not when it's over $300 for one little stool. And not when it's actually brand new. What is fun about the vintage gnome pieces I always enjoy at garage sales, is first how ubiquitous and beloved they once were--what's the point really, if it was made not out of sincerity but to be clever? Those old gnomes are visibly worn down, the bright colors have faded and cracked to reach that quality that is so aesthetically pleasing for all lovers of vintage furniture. What 's the point if it just came from the factory?

Lastly, gnomes are fun because they are silly. I am not sure that you can so purposely set out to be silly--it's a very silly thing to do.

Am I being too harsh? What do you think?