Alessi - Everything is design
Anyone who has fallen in love with Alessi products usually recognises new products from the northern Italian manufacturer at first glance - the designs are so unique, their aesthetics so timeless. The company, based in Omegna in Piedmont, proves with every new collection that it lives up to its self-proclaimed reputation as a "dream factory" with the greatest passion. From household goods and furniture to a wide range of home accessories - the unique design objects inspire people all over the world.
This success is largely due to the high-quality materials and craftsmanship of the production. But when the objects leave the design manufactory, it is above all the creative power of the internationally acclaimed designers who put all their skills into the designs that is recognisable. It is thanks to them that Alessi products have not only artistic but also functional value.
The history of Alessi
As early as 1921, Giovanni Alessi and his brother founded FAO (Fratelli Alessi Omegna), a company specialising in metal household goods. The exquisite products made of copper, brass and nickel silver quickly gained regional renown. When Giovanni's son Carlo, himself a trained industrial designer, later joined the company, the products became more unusual, but the Second World War put a stop to these new ambitions. In the 1950s, the company moved into industrial production, using stainless steel instead of soft metals. Collaboration with independent designers is expanded and collections for the hotel and catering industry are created.
The polished, satin-finished steel products quickly conquered the international markets and Alessi was honoured at the Triennale in Milan. When Alberto Alessi, the founder's grandson, joined the company in 1970, the aim was to explore the essence of art and its functionality - a process that continues at Alessi to this day and is expressed in many fruitful collaborations, including with Aldo Rossi(La Cupola espresso machine), Michael Graves(bird flute kettle) or Philippe Starck(Juicy Salif lemon squeezer) and many more. In the 90s, other materials such as wood, plastic, glass and ceramics were included in the development. Continuous striving for renewal, a distinctive, artistic basic idea and intensive scouting for new design talent - all this makes Alessi one of the most exciting Italian design companies of the present day.
Interesting facts about Alessi
- Alberto Alessi's ambitions were often associated with creative, but also economic frontiers. His so-called concept produced bold products that were not always crowned with success. When he wanted to have works of art mass-produced as part of the Alessi d`Après research project in the 1970s, he invited the eccentric Salvador Dalí to design a sculpture for Alessi. But when the engineers despaired of the tricky moulds and the "Mulitpli d'Arte" project caused people to shake their heads, it was stopped.
- the Alessi Museum was opened in 1998 and can be visited by appointment. It exhibits many historical snapshots that provide an insight into the history of the dream factory. In addition to 30,000 products and prototypes, there are over 9,000 drawings, 20,000 photographs and many other relevant artefacts from Alessi's history.