Italian Classics in the Making: The New Alessi Design Icons
Alessi are known for their creation of instant Italian design classics. From the Bird whistling kettle to the Juicy Salif lemon squeezer, the Alessi range is full to the brim with design icons which have stood the test of time and are still as popular now as when they were first released. The brand is continually reimagining these design classics to build on they tried and tested designs or inventing new ones and this season’s new pieces are no different. We take a look at the new Alessi design icons which are certain to become instant Italian classics…Alessi are known for their creation of instant Italian design classics. From the Bird whistling kettle to the Juicy Salif lemon squeezer, the Alessirange is full to the brim with design icons which have stood the test of time and are still as popular now as when they were first released. The brand is continually reimagining these design classics to build on they tried and tested designs or inventing new ones and this season’s new pieces are no different. We take a look at the new Alessi design icons which are certain to become instant Italian classics…
The New Moka
Alessi coffee makers are one of the most enduring elements of the brand, what more do you expect from the country that is known for some of the finest coffee in the world? The new Moka coffee maker designed by David Chipperfield can be explored on two levels. On one hand it demonstrates a great contemporary designer’s contribution to the evolution of classic industrial archetypes. Whilst on the other it’s a tribute to Alberto Alessi’s grandfather who in the 1930s invented the very first Moka Express coffee maker.
Keeping the original’s multifaceted shape, Chipperfield has looked to the details to bring the design into the 20th century. The flat lid allows for espresso cups to be heated whilst the coffee is made and the lid can now be raised using only one hand. The ultimate update for those who need their fresh Italian coffee in the mornings even when they’re rushing out the door.
Barking up the Right Tree
Alessi’s Bark collection is a wonderfully organic design taken straight from nature but still with the brand’s signature modern edge. Designed by Michel Boucquillon and Donia Maaoui each piece in the range has the iconic rippled pattern reminiscent of tree bark and is available on vases, centrepieces and even kitchen roll holders. New for this season is the diverse Barket, a versatile basket that has been designed to add style to everyday foods from fruit, to fresh bread.
Golden Girotondo
First introduced in the 1980s, the simple cut-out doll design of Girotondo is the brain child of King-Kong, the name used by designers Stefano Giovannoi and Guido Venturini when working together. The epitome of playful design, Alessi are celebrating 30 years of Girotondo and have now released a limited edition 24ct gold version to give the child-like design a glamorous update.
New Designs for Dédé
In the ‘90s, Alessi worked closely with leading designer Philippe Starck and one of the most unusual pieces created was Dédé. The sculptural figure made of die-cast aluminium gave body and life to one of the designer’s anthropo-zoomorphic imaginings. Over 20 years later, Dédé has been given a markedly pop revival by the revered designer and is now available in super-coloured plastic. Use him as a unique sculpture or even a daring doorstop.