Houseware finds new identity with Alessi

When we say Alessi we immediately think style and design, quality innovative products that are timeless.

Alessi was founded in 1921 and all designs between 1935 and 1945 were by Carlo Alessi. After taking over as Managing Director Carlo started to use the external input of freelance designers, a practice that will become typical of Italian Design.

The current head of the company Alberto Alessi, like his father has worked with the world’s best designers, his collaboration with over 500 designers over the years has brought great results to the Alessi collection. The company has been continuously developing new projects and the range of materials such as plastic, rubber, porcelain and crystal that over the course of time have been integrated with the metals, which still remain the core of Alessi’s products.

The input of talents such as Phillipe Starck, Alessandro Mendini, Frank Gerhry and Hani Rashid has given Alessi some of its timeless pieces.

Although technology has improved the tools and machineries artisans use to create modern and functional designs, Alessi still remains synonym with handcrafted products.

Alessi has three brands, Officina Alessi’s products are more exclusive and expensive, which are often part of a limited edition of experimental and innovative designs. A di Alessi is the collection that includes the best designer products at accessible price, while the ALESSI brand expresses the large scale industrial production in the house ware sector for quality, design and product manufacture. 

What I love most about Alessi are the little things, Alessi seems to be able to give an identity even to those objects that are often forgotten such as cotton swab holders, kitchen timers, graters and pepper mills. Modern design, a touch of colour mixed with chrome and even a toilet brush reaches immediate status.

One of the favourite pieces I own is the Lemon Juicer by PhilLippe Starck, it looks good in the kitchen and is great to make fresh orange juice in the morning.