ALESSI
Originally
founded in 1921 as a metal workshop and foundry the company Alessi switched its focus 10 years later: away from artisan manufacturing to
industrial manufacturing. Initiator for this change was the son and
designer Carlo Alessi. Since the 1950s Alessi has been producing
high-quality metal products and keeps up co-operations with
internationally renowned design stars.
In
accord with the company philosophy “design does not have to be
expensive” more and more Alessi products find their way into our homes.
We have Alessi kitchen helpers, Alessi bath accessories, Alessi garden
tools, and many other living accessories by Alessi.
The
first metal products – today's design classics – e.g. Wire Basket 826
or the sugar bowls and other service accessories, were first sold to
commercial customers like restaurants or hotels in the 1950s. During
this time period Carlo Alessi, meanwhile manager of the label Alessi,
designed the Bombé collection: A tea and coffee service, extremely
popular even today. Because of resource shortages, little by little
Alessi converted its products' material to stainless steel, for which it
is so famous today.
In
the 1980s the company became more experimental. With the Officina
Alessi line the Italian traditional company manufactured limited design
editions by famous architects and designers. The idea was originally
architect Alessandro Mendini's, who invited 31 internationally renowned
colleagues to design tea and coffee sets. This helped the company in
creating bold design classics and establishing a position as
representative for postmodern design.
Less
metal but more plastic is found in the Family Follows Fiction series,
which represents Alessi's international breakthrough into millions of homes in
the 1990s. The playful design accessories are generously priced and
feature witty designs. Especially famous is the Anna collection. The
smiling woman's face found on its products, like the corkscrew Anna G.,
has risen to become an Alessi icon.
Another
milestone in Alessi's history is Juicy Salif, a creation by design guruPhilippe Starck from the year 1990 for Alessi. With its distinguished
design the juicer counts as one of the most famous design objects of the
20th century.
Alessi's
creative output is consistent. Every year we are surprised by the many
design novelties that spring from the pool of about 200 Alessi designers
and find their way into our home. Alessi is everywhere!