Alessi
Undoubtedly the most influential product
design company of the 20th century.
By Robert Carter & Craig Dixon.
Alessi
contents
• The Key changes that were made to Alessi.
• Background to Alessi.
• Examples of Alessi products.
Alessi
intro
•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.
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-today 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.
Alessi
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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.
‘Juicy Salifs’
Alessi
Bird-Whistle Kettle
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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
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‘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.
‘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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