Alessi

Undoubtedly the most influential product design company of the 20th century.

By Robert Carter & Craig Dixon.

• The Key changes that were made to Alessi.• Background to Alessi.• Examples of Alessi products.

Alessi contents

Alessi•Alessi was founded in 1921 by Giovanni Alessi.

•In 1928 the firm moved from Omegna to Crusinello.

•Alessi made durable kitchenware, with machine pressing introduced in 1930.

•From 1938 they started using stainless steel.

•In 1954 external designers were employed.

•In the 1980’s Alessi became more famous, with the introduction of the ‘Archivi’ series.

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Alessi Background Information

Design and designers

Designers at Alessi have often put aesthetics before functionalism.

Designs may be playful and futuristic, but they are very down to earth and can be used practically on a day-to-day basis.

Inspiration was taken from 1950’s America by many of Alessi’s designers, but was combined with a space age theme.

Many Alessi products are both modern and retro.

An obvious sign of Alessi’s success is the fact that many of their products have been plagiarised.

• Designed by Philippe Stark.

• Average price £40.00

• Last seen as a stunt double in ‘war of the worlds’!

• Easily one of the most recognisable Alessi pieces.

• First produced In 1990.

• Made from polished cast Aluminium.

Alessi ‘Juicy Salifs’

• Designed by Michael Graves in 1980’s - 1990’s.

• This was the first product to be made by an American designer for the Alessi catalogue.

• An Alessi best seller since 1985, this is actually the product that has sold the greatest number of units in the history of the company.

• It opened the way for a ‘playful’ design style of the Alessi company during the 1990’s.

Alessi Bird-Whistle Kettle

• ‘Anna G’ is a fun, functional and beautiful design.

• She was launched in 1994.• Her head and arms are chrome to

stay bright and ageless.• Her body contains a Teflon

corkscrew.• ‘She’ is easy to grip, making bottle -

opening easier and quick.• Available in Burgundy, sea foam

green, yellow, black, azure, flourescent green and red.

• It is rumoured that she is modelled on Allessandro Mendini’s girlfriend at the time.

Alessi ‘Anna G’ Corkscrew

Alessi Summary

Alessi is a company whose name is synonymous with twentieth century design. Alessi was founded in the 1920’s but it wasn’t until the 1980’s and 1990’s that the company became world famous.

They became famous for their highly individual and popular designs for products, for example, the ‘Juicy Salif’, the Kettles, kitchen utensils and the woman-shaped corkscrew.

Many famous designers have worked for Alessi, including Achille Castiglioni, Philippe Stark, Michael Graves, Richard Sapper and Frank Gehry.

Their designs have helped Alessi become one of the most recognisable design companies in the world.

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