Leave it to Philippe Starck to reinvent the Robin Hood tale. Instead of stealing the rich man's money, he's stolen the rich style of the high life – all to help your poor patio.

The collection, launched in collaboration with Dallas showroom owner David Sutherland, is called RobinWood, and the designs are evocative of 13th-century England. Humble, recognizable shapes that could've once been made of oak are given the Starck touch with sustainable teak and touches of polished aluminum.

Lil' John Chair from the RobinWood Deluxe collection from Sutherland by Starck

This is the first outdoor line Mr. Starck has produced and, he says, he wanted to "work the icons of our common shared memory."

If you put an "indoor" chair outside, Mr. Starck says, "suddenly carpet turns into grass, wallpaper turns into trees and the ceiling turns into stars. This chair becomes a very poetic element."

Thus the RobinWood line was born, with chairs cheekily named Robin, Marian, Lil' John and Prince John. There's even an elaborate Loxley canopy bed. If you're smiling, Mr. Starck believes he has done his job.

"Humor is linked with surrealism. Sense of humor is a sign of human intelligence. It should be everywhere," he says.

Mr. Sutherland says the element of fun was an important part of the design process.

"The given for any of our meetings was Texas-style margaritas," says Mr. Sutherland, a fixture in the Dallas Design District. "His ties to Texas are well-known, and as long as we had fresh limes he was ready to take on all details and changes he felt were necessary to the success of this collection. He has a terrific, ribald sense of humor and is a joy to work with."

ROBINWOOD DELUXE

The collection ($1,650 to $2,350) is available to the trade through David Sutherland Showroom, 1025 N. Stemmons Freeway. 214-742-6501