Larger than life, the industrial designer loves pink and dresses in the hue from head to toe.

No surprise, then, that the Cairo-born, New York-based Karim Rashid’s latest line and brand is called Pinker.

It is a joint venture with home-grown office-furniture company Office Planner (www.o-planner.com) and Mr Gilles Mangin, former chief executive of xO International.

Founded by Singaporeans Gavin Woo and Katrina Tan in 1997, Office Planner has built a reputation for modern and funky office furniture. The 48-year-old Karim was in town last week for the launch.

What is your definitive style?

My style is best described as sensual minimalism. It’s also colourful as colours transmit energy, dynamism and happiness.

What made you partner with Office Planner?

I met Gavin and Katrina last year. I like the fact that they are doing something new in the office-furniture industry, which can be conservative.

Employees who are offered a creative environ- ment such as theirs do not drag their feet to go to work.

How would you describe your Pinker line?

Pinker is based on the idea that the boundary between home and office is blurring. The objects that I find in these places should be able to accommodate my needs for both work and leisure. The objects I designed for Pinker have this double identity. They are at ease at home or in the office.

Pinker will be sold on pink-pinker.com  in June. You can also  call Office Planner on 6835-6789 for enquiries.

This article was first published in my paper.