Italy brought light to the Dark Ages, introducing the world to the art elements of chiaroscuro and perspective. Italians were on the cutting edge of art then, endowing us with the Mona Lisa, David and the Pietà .
It should come as no surprise that 500 years later Italy is still on the cusp of forward-thinking, modern design with innovative house wares created by Alessi. For those who haven’t heard about the 50-year-old Alessi, the company has created some of the most exclusive products – from the first home espresso makers in 1979 (now at the MOMA museum) to alien-like juicers and pepper grinders.
Alessi once earned its popularity as a high-end design firm, shifting gears under the leadership of Alberto Alessi towards avant-garde creations. The grandson of founder Giovanni Alessi has sought the talents of such famous designers like Aldo Rossi, Philippe Starck, Salvador Dali and Richard Sapper to produce designs made of plastic, resin and wood.
BusinessWeek interviewed the CEO two months ago, asking Alessi about the company’s traditions and its customers. By collaborating with as many as 200 outside designers and taking design risks, Alessi said that the company has ensured its success.
I can just picture maxing out my credit card on a functional dress in a vivid coral with scupted shoulders.
Basically, if you’re looking for a bit of excitement to your average household items, or that’ hot list’ item sure to ellicit ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from visitors – this is it.
Have one of these pieces in your kitchen and you’ll start thinking that before Alessi, you were living in the dark.
-S. Gonzalez
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