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 came from 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 guru Philippe Starck from the year 1990. 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 200designers and find their way into our home. Alessi is everywhere!
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