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FALL/WINTER INTRODUCTIONS by ALESSI

The Fall and Winter introductions by Alessi are fairly notable because not only is Alessi expanding popular product series by long-affiliated designers such as Mendini, Campana Brothers, and Stefano Giovannoni, but the company still remains firmly committed to bringing upcoming designers to the attention of the public. New introductions from up-and-coming designers such Gabrielle Chiave and Rodrigo Torres suggest that Alessi will continue to be a major force in international product design and manufacturing. While most companies would have sat down and reduced their R & D, the Alessi family has brought perhaps their strongest new collection to the public in years.
Along with these new introductions comes an extension of the popular and collectible miniature series (including our favorite, Aldo Rossi’s La Cubica) and a foray into monochromatic versions of popular designs by Michael Graves and the standard Alessi roster.
Unicahome is pleased to present the new Fall/Winter introductions by Alessi. Product will become available throughout the last quarter of 2009 and will be shipped as soon as it becomes available.

NEW WATCH INTRODUCTIONS
Alessi has continued their affiliation with Seiko Instruments in producing two new selections for the fall, Daytimer and Ray.

Daytimer, by Will Alsop, is an introduction with LED display. Alsop is one of the most brilliant of British Architects. Winner of the Stirling Prize for Architecture, Britain’s highest architectural award, Alsop recently decided to pursue painting. Like his architecture and painting, the Daytimer series features bright colors and a focus on form.
According to the designer, “Daytimer takes the form of my vision of objects in the world. It has a smart, adaptable, docile form, which encases its technological core while at the same time remaining ironic and natural. It polygonizes a human wrist.”
Alsop has also designed an Alessi Tea and Coffee Tower set, as well as a mocha spoon set and the Hazel mocha cup and saucer (with Frederico Grazzini), also in the new Fall/Winter introductions.

Ray, by Stefano Giovannoni, continues Giovannoni’s long-term commitment to Alessi production. Giovannoni’s design is primarily a combination of whimsy and function, with the end result that his designs often cross boundaries with the consumer. His designs have been some of the most popular in Alessi’s history.

ALESSI PEN INTRODUCTIONS by Alessandro Mendini

Anna Pen by Alessandro Mendini is a ballpoint produced in ABS with chrome plated brass. Anna pens are a continuation of the Anna series.

Named after Anna Gili , the Anna series features a stylized head of Anna (presumably). The Anna collection has become synonymous with the Alessi brand, with highly successful peppermills and corkscrews (among others) bring introduced.

Alessandro Mendini is one of the most noted of Italian designer/architects. A principal in Studio Alchimia with Ettore Sottsass in the late 1970’s, Mendini’s concepts, strong graphic and color combinations had a strong influence on the Memphis movement of the 1980’s. Mendini also designed much of the Alessi branding, including shop fixtures. Part of his design and thought process includes extensive sketches and idea flow charts, taking the complexity of an idea into two dimensions. Mendini is an extremely prolific designer. His artistic and design sensibilities may be clearly seen in his Proust Chair for Cappellini.

CONTINUATION OF THE BANANA FAMILY SERIES WITH THE NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM OF TAIWAN BY GIOVANNONI/TAKEDA

Alessi’s Fall/Winter introduction includes a continuation of the popular Orientales series designed by Stefano Giovannoni and Rumiko Takedo in collaboration with the National Palace Museum of Taiwan.  Heavily influenced by Japanese anime, the Banana Family is a bunch of happy monkeys.  Seven new arrivals include the Banana King and Queen (spice/salt pepper grinders), Sweet Banana (sugar castor), Banana Mon-key (key ring), Banana Split (bookmark), Banana Charm  (cell phone charm), and Josephine Banana (kitchen timer). The Banana Bunch joins the existing Bananas, including Don Banana, Banana Band (spice holder set) and Monkey Boys (bottle stoppers).

Rumiko Takeda was born in 1971 in Tokyo. She currently works in Milan.

LULA DOG BOWL BY MIRIAM MIRRI

The Lula Bowl is an addition to the tremendously popular Lupita Dog and Tigrito Cat Bowls.  Lula is designed for smaller dogs.  According to the designer, “After the Lupita and Tigrito bowls for pets, I thought I had exhausted the theme, but evidently I had done my sums badly. Lupita, which is best for medium and large-sized dogs, effectively leaves our smaller canine friends with empty mouths. So I started from the mountain and from a small four-pawed friend, Lula, who certainly doesn’t look anything like a wolf but who occasionally feels like one as he finds himself howling at the full moon.  The mountaintop has the double task of protecting the food and preventing Lula from eating all day.”

Miriam Mirri lives and works in Milan. She has worked with Nigel Coates and was an assistant to Stefano Giovannoni for many years.  Her product design for Alessi (with and without Stefano) has been extremely successful and includes the aforementioned Lupita and Tigrito pet bowls.

NUVEM FAMILY EXTENSION BY FRATELLI CAMPANA

Designed by the Campana Brothers, Fernando and Humberto, the Nuvem family is a series of containers made from loosely coiled aluminum wire.  Hailing from Brazil, the Campanas have made a series of works based on local Brazilian street art.  Culled from the idea of using found objects and materials, the Campanas have produced a selection of notable furniture utilizing everything from strapping to stuffed animals.

Nuvem means ‘cloud’ in Portuguese and alludes to the coils of aluminum wire found in all objects in this series.  Additional items in the series may be found here.

MooM BOWL BY GIOVANNI ALESSI ANGHINI

Another design by an Alessi family member, Giovanni Alessi Anghini, the MooM bowl is designed for a nomadic lifestyle.  Continuing the tradition of another great Italian designer, Joe Colombo, the MooM bowl includes a small hook for holding a glass.  For strictly nomadic lifestyles, the MooM bowls are strongly suggested for eating while standing and TV addicts alike.  Made of thermoplastic resin in 3 colors.

BREAKFAST STORIES CUPS AND SAUCERS by MIRIAM MIRRI

Designed by Miriam Mirri in collaboration with AIBI (Amici del Bambini- Friends of the Children Association), the Breakfast Stories are being produced to help abandoned children in Colombia.  The series consists of a three stories contained on a set of stoneware cups and saucers (three sets total).  According to the designer, the project is “the story of a cup that goes around a story around a cup… and of a biscuit saucer. Together they accompany the milk or the chocolate at breakfast or at teatime. The story tells of the adventures of friendship and courage of Niki, of love given and received, and of the possibility of achieving understanding through dialogue and kind gestures.”

NEW CHRISTMAS-THEMED ARRIVALS FROM ALESSI

The year 2008 brought a series of holiday-based character figurines.  2009 brings back the popular crèche by Massimo Giacon in red or white, along with new introductions of the three magi, some sheep, and Salvatore and La Signora Acqua- a shepherd and his beautiful wife.

Along with the crèche additions, Mr. Giacon has designed some service plates for panettone, a traditional Milanese bread served around Christmas.  Along with the service plate is an adorable pastry plate with a skiing Santa perched on a mountaintop.

Finally there is the introduction of another figurine, the Hug Tree.

Massimo Giacon is an Italian illustrator widely regarded as one of the leading comic artists today.  His history with Alessi goes back a long time, with many strong two-dimensional graphics being produced by Alessi in 3-D form. Our favorites were the 1997 introduction of “Comix in the Kitchen,” which were about as cool as could be.

SANTIAGO CUTLERY BY DAVID CHIPPERFIELD

The Santiago Cutlery set is a continuation of Chipperfield’s approach to tabletop design. Starting with the muted color of Tonale dinnerware, the Santiago series adds a very unique accessory to the tabletop.  Made from 18/10 stainless, the cutlery is also available in a black PVD coated handle. Service pieces include a salad set, cake server and hors d’oeuvre fork.

David Chipperfield is  a designer/architect  based in London, England. His architecture is most certainly modernist in scope but has a transitional look due to use of materials and ‘updating’ of more traditional designs.  A good example of this concept in regard to product design may be seen in a series of chandeliers for Fontana Arte, which take a minimal approach to the vintage hung candle chandelier, updated to include halogen bulbs.

VASSILY SERVICE TRAY by GUILIO IACCHETTIThe first product for Alessi by Giulio Iacchetti, the Vassily tray is 18/10 stainless steel with handles in black PMMA. Available in three sizes, the Vassily is useful for everything from a quiet tete-a-tete to drink service for multiple guests.

Iacchetti’s design was based on utility and experience: “Guess who’s coming to dinner? Whenever the buffet tray was pulled out in my house it meant that guests were coming. Even today, the tray appeals to me as an item, in that it measures the distance between the arms: the bigger it is, the bigger is the welcome and the abundance of good things on offer. We have hatched an ‘unfolding ‘ tray, one that can be lengthened ad infinitum, even if we have limited the series to only three sizes!”

Mr. Iacchetti has a design practice in Milan.  He is the winner of the Compasso D’oro, the highest design award in Italy.

Hot.It by WIEL ARETS

Please note that this item is not available in the United States.

The Hot.It is a continuation of the ‘.it’ series by Arets.  Notable for the basis of the design on volume, the series is simple in appearance but features a unique and noteworthy handle.

Additional pieces from the series ARE available at this time.

Wiel Arets is a Dutch-born architect and designer.  He currently is a professor at the Berlin Institute of the Arts.

JULIETA, LLUISA, and AMELIA by LLUIS CLOTET

Clotet’s deliberately flawed foix tray (introduced 1994) has become a classic in the Alessi family.  Continuation of this series, which now includes a bowl and smaller trays, are Amelia and Julieta.

The ‘Julieta’ series are sealable glass jars for kitchen or bathroom. The lids are 18/10 stainless steel and feature Clotet’s signature flaw.

The ‘Lluisa’ series are 18/10 stainless steel with similar lids.

The ‘Amelia’ tray is an escargot dish in stainless steel- but can be used for much more creative food service than just the lowly snail.

Lluis Clotet is a Barcelona-born architect and designer.    The names of his pieces are derived from characters from the novels of the Spanish poet J.V. Foix (1893-1987), a Barcelona poet.

CUM GRANO SALIS SET

Another introduction with an Alessi family member, the Cum Grand Salis was designed by Giovanni Alessi Anghini and Lorenzo Piccione di Pianogrillo with Fabio Fassone. The piece consists of an 18/10 stainless steel tray with four salt containers.  Along with the containers is a stylized mortar and pestle, as well as a multipurpose vase. Salt is included (!): Fleur de Sel de Camargue, Hawaiian Red Alaea, Persian Blue, and Himalayan Pink.�
The addition of different salts to the tabletop has become a general trend- Galerie Lafayette in Paris has a beautiful selection of mounds of different colored salts for purchase, for example. This design would be a wonderful addition to a night of fine dining. It allows interaction between strangers and can be re-used with other salts or spices.

According to the designers: “When we asked ourselves what function a modern salt cellar should perform, it immediately appeared evident to us that ‘to hold salt’ was, in its essential form, precisely the obsolete concept that we needed to go beyond. Our idea, therefore, was to create an object that would enhance the use of quality salts originating from different salt works, a Centerpiece that, even in the most demanding mise en places, could also be interpreted as a set for each individual diner.”

COLOMBINA COLLECTION ADDITIONS by DORIANA and MASSIMILANO FUKSAS

The Fall/Winter 2009 collection brings an extension to the Fuksas’ popular Colombina service, consisting of dinnerware, cutlery, and glassware . Featuring rounded geometric forms, the porcelain service has been successful as accent pieces as well as primary dinner service, with additional cutlery and glassware added since the original introduction.

Newly introduced is a large 20” x 15.75” 18/10 stainless steel tray, a melamine cheese cellar, and an oil and vinegar set.

Most interestingly is a large mirror with glass frame.  Available in three colors, the mirror can be oriented against its background in numerous ways.

Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas are architects based in Rome.
Initially producing one of the sterling Alessi Tea and Coffee Towers.  Fuksas went on to design the Mao-Mao tray and E-LI-LI vase.

LA STANZA DELLO SCIROCCO FAMILY by MARIO TRIMARCHI

One of the hallmarks of Alessi production is series production based upon motif.  The Campanas, Sansoni, Giovannoni, and Sottsass have all introduced extensive product lines based on overall design elements.  The La Stanza dello Scirocco series brings a new designer, Mario Trimarchi, to the Alessi roster. This series is composed of welded elements forming bowls, centerpieces and citrus baskets. Available in mirror stainless, white, or black, the service is stunning.

According to the designer: “La Stanza dello Scirocco is a range of items born out of the abstract and motionless atmosphere of a magic place: the room in large Sicilian country homes where one is forced to seek shelter from the sultriness while waiting for the sirocco (wind storm) to die down. It is a room without windows in which you can do nothing but ponder the wind that is undoing all of the sublunary things outside.
The upshot is a collection of geometrically irregular items made up of small splinters of various sizes, interlaced in an unstable balance.
At the outset, I designed a great deal for the Scirocco Room, endeavoring to stop paper photograms in flight and shadows in light movement.
And so I came up with the idea that La Stanza dello Scirocco could be recounted through the story of drawing done by hand and through images of shadows, and that we could then ask everyone to exert themselves ever so slightly and make a small input with their imaginations.”

Mario Trimachi is (along with Frida Doveil) one of the principals of Fragile, a design studio in Milan, Italy. He received a masters in design from Domus Academy and worked with Andrea Branzi and Ezio Mancini.

FIAMMA BOOKSTAND by DONATO D’URBINO and PAOLO LOMAZZI

Another introduction from the duo utilizing collapsible forms, the fiamma is named due to its resemblance to a fire.

”The theme of book and music stands has always been dear to us. Many other designers have devised wooden objects. Without wishing to overstress the point, it can be said that these articles exude an air of holy places in general, when what we were looking for was a more profane item on which to place a fine volume or a Playboy, or a recipe book. We thus went for reflections of shiny steel, which we then shaped into a wave-like finish, just lake a flame, more devilish… and, of course, ‘the flame is beautiful.’ It’s in Italian literature.” (taken from “La Figlia di Iorio” by Gabriele D’Annunzio, spoken by Mila at her death.)

D’Urbino and Lomazzi are two of the quartet who designed the icon Blow inflatable chair (produced by Zanotta) in the 1960’s. Other notable pieces include the Joe Chair for Poltronova (also available from Unicahome), Onda sofa for Zanotta, and the Sciangai Coat Rack (winner of the Compasso D’Oro- the highest Italian Design award) for Zanotta.  All of these products are available for purchase through Unicahome.

Similar items in concept produced for Alessi include the Augh! and Pescher trivets.

CHIP MAGNETIC PAPERCLIP HOLDER/PAPERWEIGHT by RODRIGO TORRES

A new product and a new designer for Alessi, the Chip magnetic paper clip holder is chrome plated Zamak (plastic).  Similar in concept to the Dozi Paperclip holder by Alessi, the paperclips are designed to look like plumage on the bird figure.  The item can also function as a paperweight.

Rodrigo Torres is another new addition to the Alessi roster.  Originally from Colombia, Torres lives and works in Milan. He has designed products for Poliform, Nike, Microsoft, and Domodinamica (among others).

APOSTROPHE ORANGE PEELER by GABRIELE CHAIVE�

A new introduction from the designer of the ‘Tripod’ trivet for Alessi, the Apostrophe orange peeler is 18/10 stainless steel. Sculptural in appearance, the peeler fits nicely into the hand.

Gabriele Chiave is a designer based in Amsterdam. His previous design works include the Tripod trivet for Alessi.

TRY IT TRIVET by DROR BENSHETRIT

The Try it Trivet is a trivet with pieces which can rotate about an axis- allowing different forms to be produced. 18/10 stainless steel.

MY DROP COASTERS by PIO and TITO TOSO

The My Drop series consists of bottle and glass coasters in 18/10 stainless steel.  Dimples in the steel appear to be droplets of water- functionally they allow the bottle or glass to be easily lifted from the coaster without attachment.

LA CINTURA DI ORIONE FAMILY EXTENSION by RICHARD SAPPER.  Alberto Gozzi, consultant.

The Cintura di Orione series by Alessi  joined a great(!) designer, Richard Sapper, with some of the great chefs of Europe. The idea was that a collaborative effort would produce a better product.  The series includes beautiful cookware and knives.

This continuation of the series is a steak knife block in beechwood.

Richard Sapper has been the winner of the Compasso D’oro ten times.  If that weren’t enough, he also designed the coffeemaker which I swear by.  Used it this morning, as a matter of fact. Sapper’s designs are in numerous museum collections. One of the more iconic designs of his is the Tizio lamp for Artemide.

ALESSI MINIATURES, THE COLLECTION CONTINUES

2009 brings another 10 classic miniatures to the Alessi roster.  Featuring Icons dating from 1952 onwards, we are especially fond of the La Cubica cooking box by Aldo Rossi.

CACTUS FAMILY ADDITIONS by MARTA SANSONI

New additions to the popular Cactus series motif by Marta Sansoni are bowls now produced in gold and grey metal finishes.

Marta Sansoni is a designer based in Florence, Italy.

LA ROSA/MEDITERRANEO FAMILY ADDITIONS by EMMA SILVESTRIS

New additions to the popular La Rosa/Mediterraneo series motifs by Emma Silvestris are tealights now in mirror stainless, gold, and red/purple.

Emma Silvestris has a design studio in Bari.

LA VIA LATTEA CHEESE SET by ANNA and GIAN FRANCO GASPARINI

A beautiful set for hard and soft cheese knives, the La Via Lattea series was made in conjunction with the Berti cutlery works (also available at Unicahome).  According to the designers, ” The flavors and perfumes of the cheeses change as you move from the edge of the form towards the center. In order to savor the entire variety of flavors that the cheese contains you require proper blades for each type of crust hardness and texture of the cheese. ‘La Via Lattea’ consists of four specialist knives: one for hard cheese, one for soft cheese, one for semi-soft cheese, plus a serving fork for hard and semi-hard cheeses and a server for soft and semi-soft cheeses. The set is rounded off with a Guide to cutting and tasting 35 Italian cheeses of Protected Designation of Origin and some excellent European cheeses, as well as a holder for the knives in double-thickness fabric of heavy cotton.”

Each knife is overseen by a single worker whose initials are on the blade he or she manufactured.

HAZEL MOCHA CUP and SAUCER by WILL ALSOP

A continuation of the coffee cup series by Alessi, the Hazel mocha cup is a partner to the mocha spoon set which Alsop previously produced with Alessi (see above).  A small surprise can be concealed in the saucer.

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