So, Alessi.
An Italian family firm of metal finishers that have been in business since the 1920’s and supply throughout the world to a network of their own shops plus hundreds of retailers. They have an enviable stable of designers; Sottsass – Mendini – Jasper Morrison – Richard Sapper – Enzo Mari – Castiglioni, the list goes on and on.
Personally I see the collection split in two, the mass produced work of which I am not a fan which was primarily produced in the eighties and tends to be bright, colourful and a little too plastic (King Kong aagh). And then there are the iconic pieces that are sublime. Alessi is less well known for their cutlery, glassware, tableware or cookware but it is some of the most beautiful and high quality available. I have picked out a few of my favourites. Who wouldn’t eat off a Jasper Morrison plate, drink from a Sottsass glass and tuck in with Castiglioni cutlery? Which other firm can compete with that?