But for Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, they were the inspiration for Canasta, her collection of outdoor furniture for upmarket Italian furniture brand B&B Italia.

The 47-year-old was in town on Thursday for the launch of the collection at furniture store Space at Millenia Walk.

'I was inspired by the basket and wanted to see what it would be like to be in one,' she says. The collection consists of sofas and armchairs with high backs which make the user feel as if he is in a basket.

Prices start from $15,000 for an armchair to $25,000 for a sofa.

While the collection is meant for outdoors, Urquiola has designed them to also fit indoors.

Inspiration for her comes from everywhere. A beaded bracelet she bought while on holiday was the idea behind a lamp and even a simple ashtray can become inspiration for her.

Her name may not be as instantly recognisable as French designer Philippe Starck's, but she is just as versatile.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times' Life!