Alessi is an Italian housewares and kitchen utensils company, that manufactures and market products designed by a wide range of designers, industrial designers, and architects. Founded in 1921, the company founded by Giovanni Alessi produces a wide range of everyday tableware items including nickel, chromium, and silver-plated brass. With the collaboration of around 500 designers from all over the world, the company believes in how true design must be able to surprise, to move people, to trigger emotions, having tremendous potential to make them happier.
1. Juicy Salif – Lemon Squeezer | Alessi
Designed by Philippe Starck, this citrus-squeezer, in Aluminium casting, mirror polished, is an iconic symbol not only of Stark but of Alessi itself. The idea came to him while he was in an Italian restaurant trying to squeeze lemon over his calamari. The distinctive elongated form of this revolutionary object was part of a lot of debates and discussions on the theorem of form follows function.
“My juicer is not meant to squeeze lemons; it is meant to start conversations.” – Philippe Starck
2. Cheese Plate – Cactus!
Alessi collaborated with the Jewish Museum to create a special selection of contemporary designs for Jewish holidays and traditions. The Cactus! Cheese Board is a mirror-polished stainless steel product with a laser-cut pattern which is a subtle decoration indicative of the desert cactus. This stunning cheese board contains a removable wooden board which is great for placing grated or cut cheese to enjoy on a relaxed afternoon.
3. Lovely Breeze – Rocking Container
Lovely breeze, designed by Sakura Adachi, is an iconic bowl/centerpiece that has a unique kinetic movement. It is like a slender dancer that rocks, swing, and spin on the table! Its natural state is in the vertical position, held in place by the hemisphere weight at the bottom. When objects are placed on the bowl, it functions as a container as it turns to the horizontal position. Naturally, when you pick the last object from the bowl, it goes back to its upright position. This ensures that it occupies little space as it stands up when not in use.
4. Seasoning Set 5070
As an answer to design and dining needs, back in 1978, Ettore Sottsass, designed this 5070 Condiment set which features oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper serving vessels in crystals and steel. The varying sizes of lean forms can be considered as true table architecture, with its aesthetic and functional qualities. Clustered together tidily on a carrying tray, it allows for transport of four different condiments at once. It is robust and easy to clean, making it the perfect object for both professional uses and the home table.
5. Teo – Spoon For Tea Or Herbal Tea In Sachet | Alessi
This stainless steel mirror polished teaspoon for tea in sachet is designed to make wringing of teabags easier. Molded into a folded tea leaf shape, it grips the teabag, ensuring every last drop from the teabag is utilized.
6. Pip Keychain
Designed by Frederic Gooris, the design of Pip, a pretty keychain made of stainless steel is inspired by the features of a mouse. With its long and thin twisted tail, it helps you have all your keys at your fingertips.
7. Lily Incense Burner
Designed by Marcel Wanders, the design for this incense burner is inspired by a flower. The stainless steel body is like a soft petal wrapped around the incense stick holding it upright, in the center of the ash wood base. Part of a collection entitled The Five Season, it is an original take on home fragrances, aimed for lovers of the scent of incense. A beautiful accessory, combining functionality with delicate and refined shapes, transforms the traditional incense burner into a miniature furnishing element.
8. Dede Doorstop
Designed in 1994 by Philippe Starck, this famous door-stop in the shape of a person is a perfect combination of functionality and evocative creativity. Made of metal or thermoplastic resin with a PVC coating, weighing around 2kg, Dede seems to be pondering about life, whether to go in or out, whether to open or close the door.
9. Scoiattolo Nutcracker
Designed by Andrea Branzi, the Scoiattolo nutcracker has a playful design that is bursting with personality. Scoiattolo is Italian for squirrel, and this product proves to be almost as charming as the native red squirrels of the region. Crafted with polished stainless steel and solid wood, it has the leverage to crack even the toughest nut.
10. 9090 Espresso Coffee Maker | Alessi
Designed by Richard Sapper, this coffee maker is distinctive not only for its particular shape but also for its functional innovations, like the enlarged base that allows for taking full advantage of the heat, the anti-drip spout, and the simple-to-use lever closure. The product is Alessi’s first espresso coffee maker and the first of many Compass d’Oro awards.